Making conscious effort to promote gender equality within the bureaucracy is essential in ensuring that government officials and employees exemplify their obligation to uphold the rights and dignity of all gender, especially the disadvantaged ones. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauds the Supreme Court’s (SC) issuance of Organic Guidelines on the use of Gender-Fair Language and Gender-Fair Courtroom Etiquette, which is a concrete step in eliminating gender-based discrimination in the judiciary.
The Guidelines stresses gender sensitivity towards persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). This helps prevent the use of gender stereotypes and sexist language in the courts, official documents, communications, and issuances in the judiciary. It is commendable that SC endeavors to become gender responsive and sensitive in language and courtroom etiquette. Considering the extent of its judicial power and influence, this move can contribute to a gender-fair culture within the bureaucracy and beyond.
Sexist language usually refers to women and members of the LGBTQI, thus contributing to gender inequality. All forms of sexism devalues the members of certain sex and contributes to gender-based discrimination. The SC measure is a key step in preventing in the judiciary the perpetuation of sexist language. As highlighted in the Guidelines, sexist language can “indisputably influence the perspectives of the judges and litigants.” By ensuring gender-fair language, the Guidelines helps enhance clarity, objectivity, and fairness in the judiciary.
In observance of Women’s Month, CHR as Gender Ombud, continues to urge all government offices to implement similar measures that will promote gender equality and women empowerment. Ensuring gender-fair practices—in the office, in our official capacity, and in our personal lives—demonstrates sincerity to our obligation to uphold equality and dignity. Sustaining and mainstreaming gender equality is possible especially when exemplified by all government offices, officials, and employees. ###