Using Gender Research in Development

Abstract

This book is designed for technical personnel and policymakers in national government and international agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as well as other development practitioners who face the task of addressing gender issues in development projects and policy. Practitioners may ask why they should address gender issues in development. First and foremost gender equality is a basic human right--with value in and of itself. Second many disparities in development outcomes arise from gender differences. Third the task of addressing gender inequality is made even more urgent by the reality of its significant effects on the efficiency and welfare outcomes of project or policy interventions. Gender issues are central to the attainment of development goals and poverty reduction. They play a prominent role in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which have been commonly accepted as a framework for measuring development progress. Of the eight goals four are directly related to gender: achieving universal primary education promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women reducing infant and child mortality and improving maternal health. Gender also plays an important role in goals related to reducing poverty and eradicating hunger; combating HIV/AIDS malaria and other diseases; and ensuring environmental sustainability. Given these linkages it is difficult to see how it would be possible to meet the MDGs without addressing gender. (excerpt)