Gender Responsiveness in Philippine Higher Education: Students’ Awareness, Institutional Sensitivity, and Discrimination Experiences

Abstract

This study assessed students’ gender awareness, gender sensitivity, and experiences of discrimination as a basis for strengthening a gender-responsive academic environment at Apayao State College. Using a descriptive–correlational quantitative design, data were collected from 215 first-year college students through a researcher-adapted Gender Sensitivity Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the data, and Pearson product–moment correlation was used to assess relationships among the variables.

The findings revealed a generally high level of gender awareness among students, particularly on issues related to violence, cyberbullying, and gender-fair communication. Students also demonstrated favorable gender-sensitive perceptions regarding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and respect for other genders within the academic environment. However, moderate discomfort was reported with instructional materials, lecture content, and classroom activities. Fellow students emerged as the most commonly reported source of discrimination or harassment experiences.

Inferential analysis showed a significant positive relationship between gender awareness and gender sensitivity, while gender sensitivity was significantly and negatively related to discomfort or discrimination experiences. No significant relationship was found between gender awareness and discomfort or discrimination experiences.

Based on the findings, the study proposed a Gender and Development (GAD) Policy Enhancement Framework focusing on curriculum integration, faculty capacity development, gender-responsive learning environments, inclusive campus culture, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. The study contributes localized evidence supporting institutional gender mainstreaming and advancing inclusive higher education aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5.