Gender is not the same as sex.

Sex refers to the biological characteristics of men

and women. In contrast, gender refers to socially defined roles and behaviours for men

and women. When we expect men and women to act in a certain way, just because

they are male and female, then we follow gender norms. Different cultures can have

different gender norms or different ways they expect men and women to behave. Here

in the Philippines for example, some still expect woman to stay at home and do

household chores, while a man should go out to work. These norms are also called

gender roles, which are specific roles men and women are expected to perform within

society or even within the family.

Gender stereotypes refer to clichés which a man or woman is supposed to do or

be like. Women are supposed to know how to cook and do house work or else you are

not raised well and shouldn’t be called a woman. Men are supposed to have a job to

provide for his family and if he fails with this he shouldn’t be called a man. Women are

caring and friendly. Men are though and messy if not they might be mock as too girly.

Gender roles are not natural to men or women; rather, they are learned and imposed by

social values! But everything that a man can do, a woman can do too, and vice versa!

People can also identify with different genders. Some people might be

biologically born a man, but feel more like a woman. People from all religions, countries,

communities, families can identify themselves in a lot of different ways. Cisgender are

those people who identify themselves as the sex they were born with. Transgender are

the ones who identify themselves with a gender other than the sex they were born with.

Transsexuals are those who identify themselves with a gender other than the sex they
were born with and have undergone a sex change. Gender equality is a basic human

right and described as; “all human beings are born equal”. It means that everyone,

whether born as male, female or intersex, should be able to develop their full potential

and live in freedom and dignity.

Despite gains achieved by the LGBT community and women’s groups, trade

unions, international organizations, government agencies and non-government

organizations in the last three decades, most LGBTs and women in the Philippines still

remain marginalized and disadvantaged in the world of work. Women workers,

especially in the informal economy, continuously face discrimination in accessing credit,

benefits, and opportunities to improve their lives and that of their families.

I am one of the lucky ones. My life is a sheer privilege because my parents didn’t

love me less because I was born a daughter. My school did not limit me because I was

a girl. That is why I am here today saying any gender: man, woman, lesbian, gays,

bisexual, transgender and transsexual should be treated equally. Our country may not

be fully ready to accept this kind of culture yet but with our unified voice I know we will

get there. Thank you.