Civics Form Two Notes – Gender

These Civics Form Two notes cover Gender. The material is organised in clear sections for easier reading, understanding and revision.

The Concept of Gender

Meaning of Gender

Explain the meaning of gender Gender refers to the state of being male or female. In this context, it refers to the social relationship between men and women. It is concerned with the roles and responsibilities of

men and women in our families, communities and country.

Different Gender Concepts

Identify different gender concepts

Gender concepts

There are various concepts which are used in relation to the concept of gender. It is important to know how they interrelate or differ in the whole process of dealing with

gender issues. These concepts are:

(a) Gender equality Gender equality is the exercise of fairness and justice to all sexes without discrimination

or considering whether one is born male or female. It is based on the belief that all people

are equal and should therefore have equal access to opportunities and resources, It is

practiced in giving equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities to women and men.

Activity 1

Are women and men treated equally in the community you come from? Why?

(b) Gender equity

Gender equity is based on the principle that measures should be taken to bridge the inequality between men and women. It is about giving priority to women in order to reduce

the imbalance that already exists.

(c) Gender roles A role is a duty or importance of a person or a group in a particular activity or area of life. Gender roles are, therefore, duties of a particular sex (male or female) as determined by

a society. Gender roles can be divided into reproductive and productive roles.

Reproductive roles are the activities that include child-bearing and other domestic- related tasks. Some societies do not value reproductive roles because they have no

economic return. However, these roles are very important for social and family stability

. Productive roles are the activities that men and women engage in to earn a living. These

are valued in many societies because they contribute directly to the economy

Gender stereotyping is to have a fixed idea about a community, group or person, but which is usually not true in reality. Gender stereotyping is whereby opinions are formed about what men and women are capable of doing. It reflects people's attitudes and practices on

gender division of labour. For example, some people believe that boys are more capable in

science subjects than girls. This is gender stereotyping.

|. Gender discrimination is a situation where one sex (male or female) is treated either better or worse than the other some traditions and customs discriminate against women

and favour men. Women and girls are discriminated right from the family level. For

example, some people do not believe that girls should go to school, As a result, there are

differences in socio-economic and development activities.

. Gender analysis is a systematic effort to identify and understand the roles of women and men within a given society. It involves collection of gender-specific information and data from the community. This analysis is the first step towards making the gender-sensitive

planning needed for promoting gender equality in the society.

. Gender mainstreaming is the taking into consideration gender issues in development activities at all levels, for example, making laws, policies and programs. It helps women and

men to benefit equally from development projects.

. Gender blindness is the inability to know that there are different gender roles, gender responsibilities and a gender-based hierarchy. This leads to the failure to realize that

policies, programs and projects can have a different impact on men and women.

. Gender balance is majorly a human resource concept. It is about ensuring that men and

women participate equally at their work places.

Gender issues in the society Gender issues are topics which arise for discussion because there exists inequality among the two sexes (male and female) ina society. The following are some of the gender issues

in the society:

Bride price

Wife inheritance

Female genital mutilation

Male dominance in the family community and society

Unequal distribution of domestic or economic tasks between men and women.

Sexual harassment

Gender issues occur due to contacts with other societies,

religions and types of education.

Negative socio-cultural practices Culture refers to the totality of society's way of life. It includes the customs, art, beliefs and social organization of a particular group of people. In different societies, there are

socio-cultural practices that hinder equal participation between men and women.

1, Wife inheritance

To inherit means to receive something such as a house, car, farm or money from someone when he or she dies. Some societies in Tanzania regard women as property that can be inherited. In these societies, when a woman's husband dies, another man – who is a member of her husband's family – can inherit her.This practice dehumanizes women and contributes

to the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation is the removal of the outer part of the sexual organs of a woman, It is also called female circumcision. Some communities in Tanzania still practice female circumcision, It is taken as part of the initiation process in which girls are trained to

become responsible women. Female circumcision is a negative practice because

It can cause women to develop complications when giving birth.

The tools which are used for circumcision are not hygienic and are used on many people.

Hence, the spread of HIV and AIDS is very likely. Bleeding after circumcision can lead to anaemia or even death.

Many girls drop out of school after the initiation because they consider themselves mature

women.

3. Early marriage

Early marriage is the marriage of people who have not yet reached the legal age for such a

union. In Tanzania, this age is 18 years. Early marriage leads to:

Dropping out from school, hence increasing illiteracy in the society.

Greater risk of death because the reproductive organs of the young mother are still

immature.

Higher possibility of divorce and family instability as the couple has little knowledge on

family affairs.

4. Discrimination against women

This is a situation whereby women are treated badly in comparison to men. This is because of the traditions and customs that exist in some Tanzanian communities. For example, men are the heads of families and are also decision-makers. Women have no right to land,

property, education and employment opportunities.

Socio-cultural practices which discriminate against women should be abolished. This is

because if women are given a chance, they can contribute a lot to the family, community

and society. They are as capable as men in any profession necessary for national

development.

5. Cruelty/violence against women

Some Tanzanian communities have traditions and customs which give men power to oppress women. Domestic violence is becoming a major problem in many families. Some husbands beat their wives because their traditions and customs encourage this practice. Women are

forced to endure this mistreatment because they are dependent on their husbands.

6. Regarding women as sex objects

Some societies in Tanzania regard women as sex objects. A woman has to remain at home so as to refresh a man when he comes from work. She is not allowed to work outside the home. These societies do not allow girls to get higher education, with the belief that it isa

waste time and money because girls are married off to serve their husbands.

Corrective Measures against Negative Socio-Cultural Practices

Suggest corrective measures against negative socio-cultural practices Though it is very important for a nation to maintain its culture, there are some negative socio-cultural practices which should be abandoned in order to bring equality between men

and women in the society.

Therefore, corrective measures should be taken jointly by the government, community,

family, non-governmental organizations and individual citizens on the following aspects:

Empowerment of women: Women should be given a chance to make decisions and exercise

their rights.

. Mass education: People should be educated about the dangers of negative socio-cultural practices such as early marriage and female genital mutilation. This will make people aware

of the harm caused by these practices.

. Enhancing the existing laws on women's rights: The government should enhance these laws to enable women to participate in the same socio-economic activities as men. For example, women should be able to own and inherit properties like land, houses and business so as to

have a strong economic base.

. Use of mass media: Radio, television and newspapers can be used to educate and give

people information concerning negative cultural practices and their effects in the society.

Adjust the school curriculum: Students should be made to understand the dangers of negative cultural practices. They should be taught the effects these practices have on the

society and also what would be a better way of doing things.

Special consideration should be given to women in education and politics as they have been lagging behind for a long time. They should be given special seats in parliament and given

special provisions in admission for higher education.

Exercise 1

A. Write 'T for a correct statement and 'F' for a wrong statement.

Gender roles are the same in all societies —

Science subject for female students is a gender blind issue

Gender equality can be achieved by empowering women in Tanzania —

Gender balance involves increasing the number of women seats in parliament —

The long term for TAWLA is Tanzania Women Land Association ——

ercise 2

B. Fill in the blanks Write down two reasons why wife inheritance is not encouraged in our society List down four ways through which women's right are violated in Tanzania

Name five social culture practices which hinder the equal participation of men and women

in the society.

Distinguish between gender and sex

• 5. State the meaning
• Gender roles
• Gender equity
• Gender analysis

Gender discrimination

Gender oppression is the key to women dependence to men. Discuss

In which ways is Tanzania implementing the process of enhancing gender equality?

. “Everyone in the society is born free “. Relate this statement with gender issues.

Suggest any four collective measures that can be used to combat the out-dated socio-

cultural practices in Tanzania,

. Give and explain three reasons that make female genital mutilation bad social practices.