12 Gender Mainstreaming
Gender mainstreaming is an internationally recognised method for promoting gender equality in an organisation or federation (or any given society). It is a strategy or an approach to achieve gender equality. Every project, any activity, should be drawn up in such a way that both men and women can profit from it and that gender equality is promoted. In combination with specific projects for the promotion of young women, Gender Mainstreaming is the ideal strategy to achieve gender equality.
How can Gender Mainstreaming be implemented?
- First of all, the organisation needs to be convinced about the importance of the topic: sensitise several board members, organise workshops on the topic, collect information material (books, brochures) and get informed about the material that is already available.
- The situation should be looked at under four aspects: representation, resources, realities, rights. A checklist might be useful for that, for example SAJV's checklist (s. below).
- Set achievable goals.
- Set up concrete measures, plan and communicate them.
- Appoint a person who is responsible for implementing the measures.
- Evaluation of the objectives and the measures set.
Links:
UN Office of the special adviser on gender issues and advancement of women
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/gendermainstreaming.htm
European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and equal opportunities
http://ec.europa.eu
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