Philippine E-Journals

Practices of Local Government Units in Promoting Women’s Participation in Poverty Reduction Initiatives

Nikko R. Del Moro | Henry P. Rubio | Greanand R. Cobrador

Discipline: Sociology

 

Abstract:

The eradication of poverty cannot be accomplished through anti-poverty programs alone. However, it will require democratic participation and changes in economic structures that will allow women to resource opportunities and public services since women possess potential skills and talents that can enable them to contribute sustainably to the development of the economy and alleviation of poverty. This research aims to determine the practices, issues, and challenges faced by local government units in promoting women’s participation in the government’s poverty reduction initiatives to address the issues and challenges that will be identified. This descriptive type of research was accomplished by interviewing key informants, who were women from the community and local government officials. The study has found that creating women’s groups and networks is the top initiative introduced to women and provides them with livelihood opportunities. While integrating a gender equality perspective in programs and projects is one of the approaches implemented by the LGUs, they also provide technical assistance for women and make sure that women are visible in decision-making. On the other hand, the result shows that women’s household responsibilities, a limited number of skilled women, the lack of resources, and the challenges brought by the pandemic are the challenges faced by LGUs in promoting women’s participation in poverty reduction initiatives.