Gender equality tools for government

Gender Mainstreaming is the act of integrating gender considerations into all policy areas, not just those explicitly related to women.

Policies are not always neutral; gender bias may be hiding in government decision making, which can exacerbate gender inequality and discrimination. Gender mainstreaming is a strategic approach that integrates a gender lens across government action and policy decisions and is one of the most effective ways for governments to promote gender equality.

Here are some other ways governments can promote gender equality:

Gender Budgeting

Analyzing how government spending impacts different genders and allocating funds to address gender disparities. It is an application of gender mainstreaming in the budgetary process.

Gender Equality Action Plans

Strategic documents outlining specific actions to achieve gender equality across government departments. The purpose is to address identified inequalities by integrating a gender perspective into policies, activities, and culture, with clear goals, implementation steps, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms to track progress towards achieving gender parity.

Gender-Responsive Public Procurement

Incorporating gender equality criteria into government contracts to promote inclusive practices by companies. I) is a way to promote gender equality through public spending, considering the impact of contracts on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Legislation

Enacting laws prohibiting gender discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and other areas.

Examples include laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex, mandate equal pay for equal work, provide protections against sexual harassment, guarantee access to reproductive healthcare, and promote equal representation in leadership positions, effectively creating a legal framework that aims to level the playing field between genders in various aspects of life.

Awareness Campaigns

Public communication efforts to raise awareness about gender issues and promote positive gender norms.

Examples of Awareness Raising Campaigns:

• Raise Your Voice is a project for 4 women’s sector organisations working together to tackle sexual harassment asn sexual violence across Northern ireland. Check out their social media platforms to view their campaign.

• The Power to Change campaign urges men and boys to help play their part in affecting a cultural and societal shift. The PSNI has launched this campaign to address misogynistic male behaviour and cultures.

• UNiTE by 2030 is a campaign by the United Nations to end violence against women and girls. The campaign's signature color is orange, which represents a future free from violence.

• 16 Days of Activism is a campaign that takes place from November 25 to December 10, with November 25 being the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The campaign highlights that violence against women is a violation of human rights. Reclaim the Agenda coordinates the 16 Days programme in Northern Ireland:

Targeted Programmes

Designing programmes that specifically address the needs of marginalized women and girls, such as those facing economic hardship or violence.

Recommendation B5 of the Fresh Start Panel Report highlights that the Executive’s programme for women in community development should be designed not only to enable women’s organisations to continue to carry out transformative community development work in our communities but also to ensure that women are equipped to take on more leadership roles in public decision-making.

Gender Data Collection and Analysis

Regularly gathering and analyzing data on gender gaps to inform policy decisions and monitor progress.  There is a lack of comprehensive data on the experiences of women, girls, and other underrepresented groups. This gap makes it difficult to create effective policies and measure progress toward gender equality.

Some areas that need monitoring include:

• Gender wage gap

• Change in gender roles and responsibilities

• Gender based violence

• Gender economic participation, including women owned and led businesses

• Gender specific healthcare needs

Promoting Women's Leadership

Implementing initiatives to increase women's representation in leadership positions within government and public institutions.

Women’s leadership is essential in peacebuilding and sustainability.