Assessing the Effectiveness of the Gender Equality Program Initiative in Promoting Employee Empowerment

This research assesses the effectiveness of a gender equality program in empowering employees. It examines the program's impact on perceptions, opportunities, and workplace relationships while identifying strengths and areas for improvement to foster a more inclusive environment. The study used a quantitative and qualitative research design with 62 respondents. This study involved Casual, Permanent, and Contractual Employees of the Local Government Unit of Malitbog, Bukidnon, ranging from research design and sampling techniques to instrumentation and statistical treatments. The study revealed that the largest group of respondents—20 (32.3%) of whom were between the ages of 20 and 30—consists of 33(53.2%) of whom have served for one to three years; the majority of respondents—53.2%—are permanent or regular; the overall mean score was 3.46 (SD = 0.58); and the highest-rated indicator in Table 5, Magna Carta for Women, had a mean score of 3.52 (SD = 0.57), which was classified as strongly agree and interpreted as Very good. The assessment of gender equality program initiatives in the workplace regarding HIV/AIDS prevention received an overall mean score of 3.28 (SD = 0.68), and the highest-rated indicator in the table is "I believe gender equality programs have helped reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS (mean = 3.29, SD = 0.61)," which is classified as a strong agree and interpreted as very good. The mean score for Table 6 is 3.43 (SD = 0.60), and the highest-rated indicator is "I feel safe from gender-based violence in my workplace (mean = 3.53, SD = 0.53)," which is rated as very good. The evaluation of workplace gender equality program initiatives in terms of gender sensitivity. The highest-rated indication in the table, "I believe my organization fosters a culture of respect for all genders" (Mean = 3.68, SD = 0.47), is classified as "Strongly Agree" and interpreted as "Very Good," with an overall mean score of 3.53 (SD = 0.56). The study concludes that the significant role of gender equality program initiatives in promoting employee empowerment within organizations. These programs have been positively perceived by employees, particularly in enhancing decision-making participation, providing workplace support, and improving gender sensitivity.