Pathways and Roadblocks in Gender and Development: A Systematic Review of Institutional Practices in Higher Education

This systematic review explores the institutional pathways and barriers in mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) within higher education institutions (HEIs), with a specific focus on the Philippine context and comparative insights from global practices. Guided by PRISMA protocols, 130 studies published between 2010 and 2023 were analyzed to identify effective strategies and persistent challenges in implementing gender-responsive policies. The review reveals six key pathways that facilitate successful GAD mainstreaming: robust policy frameworks, institutionalization of gender equality, implementation of gender-responsive practices, proactive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic resource allocation. Conversely, eight major roadblocks hinder progress, including budget constraints, cultural resistance, lack of expertise, weak monitoring systems, tokenism, limited faculty engagement, absence of gender-disaggregated data, and short-term project orientations. Despite comprehensive legal frameworks in the Philippines, such as the Magna Carta of Women and the GAD Budget Policy, only 30% of HEIs have established operational GAD offices, and fewer collect or utilize gender-sensitive data. The findings underscore the need for stronger accountability mechanisms, sustained funding, capacity-building, and systemic reforms to close the policy-practice gap. This study offers a roadmap for HEIs to institutionalize gender equity as a strategic priority aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).