Awareness, Knowledge and Implementation of Gender and Development Concepts and Activities of CAPSU Sigma Faculty, Staff, and Students

Abstract

Gender and Development (GAD) is an essential issue in higher education institutions globally, and universities must ensure gender equality and inclusion in their policies, practices, and activities. However, little research has been done to investigate the level of awareness, knowledge, and implementation of GAD concepts and activities in higher education institutions, particularly in the province of Capiz, Philippines. To address this gap, a study was conducted at the Capiz State University (CAPSU) Sigma campus, with the aim of assessing the level of awareness, knowledge, and implementation of GAD concepts and activities among the faculty, staff, and students. The study used a descriptive research design that incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methods, and a total of 331 respondents were included in the study. The study found that the overall level of awareness of the CAPSU Sigma community on GAD concepts is moderately aware, with the highest mean scores for faculty and staff in Gender Identity and Gender Roles, and for students in Gender Equality and Gender Identity. The CAPSU Sigma community is knowledgeable about GAD mandates, with the highest mean scores in Republic Acts 6949 and 10398. Regarding the extent of implementation of GAD activities, the CAPSU Sigma community perceives it as mostly implemented, with Community Extension Training on Livelihood and Webinars on Violence against Women and Children being the top implemented activities. The study's findings have implications for developing strategies and programs to promote gender equality and inclusion in the university's policies and practices. The study's use of both quantitative and qualitative methods and its use of thematic analysis and statistical analysis techniques add to the existing literature on research methodology in gender and development studies. Overall, the study provides insights into the level of awareness, knowledge, and implementation of gender and development concepts and activities among the faculty, staff, and students of CAPSU Sigma.