Gender and Development (GAD) is a development perspective that recognizes the unequal status and situation of women and men in the society. It is a process that is participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, and supportive of self-determination and actualization of human potentials. At the same time, it addresses women’s strategic interests and the interests of the poor through people – centered development and gender mainstreaming activities.

Gender Mainstreaming refers to the strategy for making women’s concerns and experiences as well as those of the men, an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programs in all social, political, civil, and economic spheres so that women and men benefit equally. Hence, inequality is not perpetuated, and discrimination against women will be minimized.

Discrimination Against Women is any gender-based distinction, exclusion, or restriction which has the effect or purpose of impairing of nullifying the recognition enjoyment, or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field.

Vision
A gender-responsive Panabo City where all individuals enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and dignity empowered through inclusive governance, resilient communities, and transformative GAD programs.

Mission
To lead the mainstreaming of gender and development in Panabo City by formulating and implementing incuslive, equitable, and transformative programs, policies, and services that promote gender equality, eliminate discrimination, and empower all sectors especially women, children, and marginalized groups through active partnership, capacity-building and responsive governance.

Goals
Promote gender-responsive governance by mainstreaming GAD in all local government plans, budgets and services across Panabo City
Advance inclusive access to social services, livelihood opportunities, and programs for women, children. senior citizens, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples.
Nurture empowered communities by strengthening protection and response systems against gender-based violence through education and barangay-based mechanisms.
Amplify women’s leadership and participation in governance, economic development, and civic engagement, particularly grassroots and underrepresented sectors.
Build the capacity of LGU personnel and stakeholders through sustained GAD-related training, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Optimize data-driven planning and partnerships by establishing localized monitoring systems and engaging civil society, youth, and institutional partners in promoting gender equality.