Break down social norms, says UNDP official

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

It is the patterns and customs that weigh down the realization of gender equality and which a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) official believes, should be shelved. 

UNDP-Human Development Research director Pedro Conceicao is also of the opinion that should everyone wants that men and women would be complementing each other through everything, that dire need for broadmindedness or impartiality should be taken seriously and acted upon.

“Our pushbacks in achieving (what we have been wanting to against biases) are reflected in our social norms.” 

Conceicao was interviewed after he had participated at the “Global Gender Balance: Between Responsibility and Responsiveness” plenary session of the Feb. 16 to 17 “Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020” organized by the Dubai Women’s Establishment.

He cited one example from UNDP research studies: that women have the notion that being a career woman or a working mother would hurt their children as women also perceive that pursuing careers or economic interests are emancipating.

Conceicao said this social norm is a dichotomy and ironical, found to push back women themselves from the workforce. Thus, gender equality remains elusive despite ages of bridging the gap.

Meanwhile from the plenary session, World Bank Group-Gender senior director Caren Grown said that in Saudi Arabia, while young men see there is no reason for them not to allow their wives to pursue professions, they are also intimidated of what their families and neighbours may say against the situation.

Consequent edutainment has reduced the incidence of the unfounded fears.

From the plenary session, Conceicao had termed gender inequality as a “never-ending challenge” for when it seems it is already tackled, other related issues pop.

He said there should be more women-heads of state and government even as there is a growing number in the boardrooms.

Conceicao believes men must “yield power to women.”  He said UNDP, the agency responsible for the “Gender Equality Index Report,” works closely with governments as it coordinates with the UNWomen towards UN Sustainable Development Growth #5 (SDG#5) which promotes equality among men, boys, women and girls.

With governments and through the public and private sectors or industries, is the “seal” or the certification for gender equality which lies within the decision-making processes of institutions and enterprises.