Gender Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System of Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City

Gender Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System of Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City

Antonio M. Merca; Adelfa C. Silor; Faith Stephanny C. Silor; Osuardo Pabatang, Jr

Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9010179

Received: 07 June 2025; Accepted: 13 June 2025; Published: 15 July 2025

ABSTRACT

This study explores gender disparities in the juvenile justice systems of Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City, with particular attention to diverse gender identities, including male and non-binary youth. By integrating case narratives and analyzing systemic barriers, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how gender shapes juvenile justice experiences. This study also examines gender disparities in the juvenile justice system, focusing on positive developments and gender-responsive practices. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data from 2019 to 2024 juvenile offender records were analyzed alongside qualitative interviews with juvenile justice officers, social workers, and youth offenders. The data revealed that although male juveniles comprise the majority of cases (approximately 70%), female juveniles demonstrate higher engagement in rehabilitation programs, including educational, psychosocial, and life skills interventions. There has been a notable reduction in detention durations for female juveniles, reflecting a shift toward restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration. Qualitative findings highlighted increased gender sensitivity training among juvenile justice personnel, which improved their capacity to address the unique needs of female offenders and foster supportive environments. Tailored rehabilitation programs addressing gender-based challenges, such as violence and discrimination, received positive feedback from participants, contributing to successful reintegration. Community-based interventions and active family involvement were more prominent in female juvenile cases, further enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. Institutional commitment to gender equity was demonstrated through policy reforms promoting non-discrimination and equitable access to services. These findings underscore the progress made in reducing gender bias within juvenile justice systems and the importance of sustaining gender-responsive practices. Continued emphasis on gender sensitivity training, community involvement, and alternative rehabilitation programs can strengthen juvenile justice outcomes for all genders. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to foster an inclusive, equitable, and effective juvenile justice framework.

Keywords: Gender disparities, Juvenile justice system, Rehabilitation programs

INTRODUCTION

Gender disparities within juvenile justice systems remain a critical issue worldwide, influencing the equitable treatment of youth offenders and shaping their pathways through the system (Cauffman, 2008; Piquero et al., 2010). In many countries, including the Philippines, male juveniles typically have higher rates of arrest and detention, whereas female juveniles often exhibit distinct offense patterns and experience different rehabilitative outcomes (Chesney-Lind & Shelden, 2014; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC], 2019). Research suggests that females are more likely to be diverted to community-based programs and receive gender-responsive interventions aimed at addressing their specific psychosocial needs (Richie, 2012; Zahn et al., 2010). However, persistent challenges remain in ensuring that juvenile justice systems are truly equitable and responsive to gender differences.

Understanding these disparities is essential for informing policies that promote fairness, reduce recidivism, and support the successful reintegration of all juveniles. This study seeks to explore gender disparities within the juvenile justice system by focusing on positive developments and effective gender-responsive practices. By highlighting successful interventions and institutional reforms, this research aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, equitable, and effective juvenile justice framework that recognizes and responds to the unique needs of youth across gender identities.

METHODS

This study employed a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive analysis of gender disparities within the juvenile justice system. Quantitative data were obtained from official juvenile offender records covering the period from 2019 to 2024. These records included information on arrest rates, types of offenses committed, duration of detention, and participation in rehabilitation programs. All data were systematically disaggregated by gender to allow for a comparative assessment of trends and outcomes between male and female juveniles.

To complement the quantitative findings, qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including juvenile justice officers, social workers, and youth offenders. These interviews aimed to explore lived experiences, institutional practices, and perceptions regarding gender fairness, responsiveness, and support within the system.

The study employed purposive sampling to gather data from a total of 60 participants, including 30 juvenile offenders (ages 12–17) and 30 key informants composed of social workers, police officers, and justice officers. The youth sample was diversified across gender identities, including female (n=18), male (n=10), and non-binary or gender-diverse individuals (n=2). Participants were regionally represented from urban barangays in both Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City to reflect varied socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ethical approval was obtained from the appropriate review boards, ensuring the study adhered to ethical standards involving human subjects. Informed consent was secured from all participants, with additional measures taken to maintain confidentiality and minimize risk, particularly in working with minors.

For data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to identify and illustrate gender-based trends in the quantitative data. The qualitative data underwent thematic analysis, focusing on identifying recurring patterns and positive themes related to gender-sensitive approaches, rehabilitation strategies, and institutional support. This triangulation of methods provided both breadth and depth in understanding how gender influences juvenile justice outcomes, while also highlighting successful practices that contribute to more equitable and inclusive treatment of all youth in conflict with the law.

RESULTS

The quantitative findings revealed that while male juveniles represented a larger proportion of cases (approximately 70%), female juveniles showed higher participation rates in rehabilitation programs, including educational and psychosocial support services. Notably, both cities have seen a gradual decrease in detention durations for female juveniles, reflecting growing efforts to prioritize alternative interventions over incarceration.

Qualitative data underscored several positive developments:

1. Juvenile justice officers reported increased training on gender sensitivity, which improved interactions with female offenders and fostered a more supportive environment.
2. Rehabilitation programs tailored to the specific needs of female juveniles, such as life skills training and counseling on gender-based violence, received positive feedback from participants.
3. Community-based interventions and family involvement were more pronounced in cases involving female juveniles, enhancing reintegration success.
4. Both cities demonstrated a commitment to gender equity through policy revisions promoting non-discrimination and equal access to services.

Overall, stakeholders expressed optimism about ongoing reforms aimed at reducing gender bias and improving outcomes for all juvenile offenders.

 Gendered Experiences of Juveniles:

Female participants often reported experiences of moral judgment and victim-blaming, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse or exploitation. Male participants, on the other hand, reported harsher disciplinary measures and expectations to display emotional stoicism.

Non-binary participants, though few, highlighted a glaring absence of gender-sensitive accommodations and described experiences of misgendering, alienation, and increased vulnerability to both verbal and physical abuse. One non-binary youth shared:

“They don’t know where to place me—in the girls’ or boys’ detention. I ended up isolated, not because I was a danger to others, but because they didn’t know what to do with me.”

Justice Officers’ Perspectives:

A social worker from Cagayan de Oro noted:

“The system has protocols, but it’s not updated for diverse gender realities. We are sometimes caught in dilemmas where no guidelines exist for non-binary youth.”

This lack of policy clarity contributes to inconsistencies in treatment and increases the risk of further marginalization.

Table 1.  Key Findings on Gender Disparities and Positive Developments in the Juvenile Justice System

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study indicate significant and encouraging progress in addressing gender disparities within the juvenile justice system. The notably higher engagement of female juveniles in rehabilitation programs—particularly those offering educational, psychosocial, and life skills support—underscores the effectiveness of gender-responsive interventions. Research has shown that such tailored programs improve outcomes for girls in conflict with the law by addressing their unique psychosocial and developmental needs (UNODC, 2015; Sherman, 2005). These approaches reflect an evolving recognition of the distinct pathways and challenges experienced by young females and mark a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative and restorative frameworks (Belknap, 2011).

The observed reduction in detention durations for female juveniles signals a movement toward more humane and restorative justice practices, aligned with international standards such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules). These frameworks emphasize the use of detention only as a measure of last resort and prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration into society (UNCRC, 1989; UNODC, 2006). Evidence suggests that reducing custodial measures, especially for girls, lowers the risk of retraumatization and fosters better reintegration outcomes (Bloom et al., 2003).

Furthermore, the implementation of gender sensitivity training for juvenile justice personnel and the refinement of institutional policies demonstrate a growing commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusivity. Training programs that address unconscious bias and promote gender equity principles have been found to improve institutional responses and the quality of services delivered to youth (Saavedra, 2013; United Nations Women, 2021). These developments help build environments where both male and female juveniles are treated with dignity and supported holistically through their rehabilitation journey.

Collectively, these positive shifts highlight how aligning local practices with international human rights standards and adopting a gender-responsive lens can contribute to a more just, inclusive, and effective juvenile justice system.

The findings suggest that while female juveniles face moral scrutiny, male juveniles often experience punitive responses that neglect their emotional well-being. The inclusion of non-binary youth, though minimal in number, points to systemic invisibility and a dire need for reform.

Systemic barriers to gender reform remain entrenched. Institutional inertia—characterized by outdated frameworks and a lack of gender-diverse training—limits the responsiveness of facilities. Additionally, societal stigma regarding gender diversity exacerbates the invisibility and mistreatment of non-binary and LGBTQ+ youth.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights encouraging progress in addressing gender disparities within the juvenile justice system. The higher participation of female juveniles in rehabilitation programs, combined with reduced detention durations and the implementation of gender-responsive interventions, signals a shift toward a more humane and equitable justice framework. These positive developments are supported by institutional reforms, including gender-sensitivity training and policy revisions that promote inclusive, supportive environments for all youth in conflict with the law.

Importantly, the findings reveal that gender equity is not only a matter of fairness but also a pathway to more effective rehabilitation outcomes and successful reintegration into society. Stakeholders’ optimism reinforces the view that a justice system grounded in restorative principles and gender responsiveness is both achievable and sustainable.

To build on these gains, strategic and coordinated action is necessary at both the institutional and policy levels. Ensuring that juvenile justice systems remain adaptive, inclusive, and data-informed will be key to maintaining momentum and promoting nationwide reform.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Institutionalize Gender-Responsive Rehabilitation Programs

Encourage the standardization and nationwide implementation of rehabilitation programs that address the specific needs of female and male juveniles, including trauma-informed care, life skills training, and mental health support.

2. Expand Community-Based Alternatives to Detention

Scale up diversion and non-custodial programs, especially for female juveniles, to reduce reliance on incarceration and promote restorative justice approaches.

3. Mandate Gender Sensitivity Training for All Juvenile Justice Personnel

Require continuous professional development for law enforcers, social workers, and legal personnel on gender equity, child rights, and inclusive practices.

4. Ensure Gender-Disaggregated Data Collection and Monitoring

Institutionalize the regular collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data across all stages of the juvenile justice process to guide evidence-based decision-making and monitor progress on equity goals.

5. Strengthen Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

Foster stronger partnerships among government agencies, civil society, and communities to create holistic support networks for juvenile offenders, emphasizing both accountability and rehabilitation.

6. Review and Align National Policies with International Standards

Conduct regular reviews of juvenile justice laws and policies to ensure alignment with global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Beijing Rules, and other gender-responsive justice standards.

 (Inclusive Policy Reform):

1. Develop gender-inclusive protocols for youth detention, ensuring accommodations for non-binary individuals.
2. Mandate training for justice officers and social workers on gender sensitivity and inclusive practices.
3. Encourage policy audits to identify institutional gaps and biases related to gender.
4. Promote intersectional and participatory approaches, involving marginalized youth in reform dialogues.

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