In Progress

The Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD, 1995-2025) is a model plan for other governments in Asia and the Pacific aiming for good governance through mainstreaming gender. This is not surprising as the PPGD is known for having gone through a highly participatory and consultative process involving several government agencies and NGOs operating at regional, national and community levels.

The PPGD is the single national gender and development (GAD) blueprint that is in force until the end of the first (juarter of the century. Beyond the laws and government policies influenced by the PPGD are initiatives and efforts at the local level in reaching out and in taking up gender and development issues of both men and women. The NGO sector is not ivanting to be left behind in this effort. Some of them actually took on innovative programmes and projects targeting men in ensuring gender equality.

Three such projects are presented here. First is a new project by Kauswagan Community Social Center based in Southern Philippines which involves men in the fight against violence against women (VAW). Second is by the Manila-based Population Sen dees Pilipinas Incorporated (PSPl) which is working with grassroots men in promoting reproductive health and rights. And third is Arugaan's counselling and documentation efforts in sharing with men the responsibility in breasfeeding children.