Equality and Gender Impact Assessments

Equality Impact Assessments are important tools used to evaluate how policies, programs, or decisions may affect individuals differently based on various protected equality characteristics. In Northern Ireland, , such as gender, disability, race, and sexual orientation.

A gender impact assessment (GIA) is a specific type of equality impact assessment that evaluates the potential effects of a policy or project on women and men, aiming to ensure that policies are designed to promote gender equality and prevent unintended negative consequences.

The central question of the gender impact assessment is: Does a law, policy or programme reduce, maintain or increase the gender inequalities between women and men?

Purpose

The primary aim of EQIAs to ensure that government policies promote equality and do not inadvertently discriminate against any gender. This assessment helps identify potential gender-related issues before policies are implemented.

Legal Framework

The Northern Ireland Executive is obligated under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity among the following nine protected characteristics: religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, disability, and dependency.

Process

The EQIA process typically involves data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and consultation with organisations representing various gender interests. This ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in the assessment.

Timeframe

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland recommends that Public authorities should allow a 12 week consultation period in order to assess the views of those who will be affected by policy decisions. This will help to raise awareness of issues and problems that policies may pose for various groups which may not otherwise be discovered.

Focus Areas

Assessments might look at various areas such as health, education, economic participation, and domestic violence, identifying how policies may disproportionately affect men and women differently.

Recent Developments

The implementation of EQIAs has become increasingly crucial in the context of policy responses to issues like gender-based violence and other areas where gender disparities exist. Recent focus has been placed on ensuring that responses to the COVID-19 pandemic also consider gender impacts.

Outcome

The findings of EQIAs can lead to adjustments in policies to mitigate negative impacts or enhance positive outcomes for specific gender groups. They aim to ensure that initiatives are inclusive and equitable.

Government Resources

Various government departments in Northern Ireland may provide guidance and templates for conducting GIAs, helping to standardise the process across different sectors.

For the most current information and specific GIA reports, it would be helpful to check the Northern Ireland Executive’s website or relevant government department resources that publish their assessments and findings regularly.