Promoting a VAW-Free College: A Quantitative Analysis of Gender and Development Awareness among College Students

Gender and Development (GAD) awareness is a critical foundation in building Violence Against Women (VAW)-free academic environments. This study assessed the level of GAD awareness among 106 randomly selected college students from a local institution in Region XI, Philippines, using a descriptive quantitative design. An adapted survey measured awareness across four domains: gender roles, gender issues, GAD-related laws, and the integration of GAD into government programs and institutional policies. Results showed high awareness of social gender roles and rights, particularly those related to women’s participation in civic life and education, but only moderate awareness of legal mandates and the operational roles of government agencies in implementing GAD frameworks. The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive GAD education that includes both conceptual and institutional components. The study supports the Social Cognitive Theory of Gender Development, which emphasizes the role of environmental exposure in shaping gender-related learning and behavior. This study offers insights for academic leaders and policymakers to promote inclusive, gender-sensitive, and VAW-free college environments.