GENDER ROLES IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
Geraldine Segseg, Maria Paz Baldo,
Annie Grail F. Ekid, Epiphania Magwilang,
Arel Sia-ed, & Elmer Pakipac

ABSTRACT

The study dealt on determining the gender roles in the textile industry in Mountain Province. Generally, it studied the role of men and women in the textile industry in Mountain Province. It particularly documented men and women’s contribution and participation in weaving, sericulture and other aspects of the textile industry. Aside from that, it determined the perceptions of men and women on weaving, sericulture and other aspects of the textile industry. In addition, the study also determined the factors that affected the participation of women in the textile industry. Lastly, it identified areas for improving gender roles in the textile industry in Mountain Province.

Respondents were selected through purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Personal interview was utilized using an interview schedule which was translated into the respondents’ local dialect. Descriptive method of research was employed to ascertain the data gathered.

It was found out that men and women both contribute in the textile industry in Mountain Province. Men participate in the heavy activities in the industry while the weaving activities are mostly dominated by women. Furthermore, sericulture is not being done in the province. Men and women perceived that the textile industry in the province is profitable but needs improvement and support from the government. Women participate in the textile industry of the province for the following reasons: it is an alternative source of income or a means of livelihood, it becomes a secondary activity that is being done after planting and harvesting seasons and it is already a hobby for older female adults. Knowledge and skill based activities as well as financial support are the areas for improving the textile industry in the province as well as for improving the gender roles in the textile industry in Mountain Province.

With the different findings, it is thus recommended that the government should support the textile industry in the province specially processing and marketing the products; men should be trained to do weaving activities and finishing of products since these activities are mostly dominated by women; and finally, trainings and workshop seminars should be conducted to enhance the textile industry in the province.