Gender Mainstreaming Research Articles

Connecting Urban Mobility and Gender Roles: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Good transport infrastructure and services improve the well-being of all groups of the population, including women, men, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. However, they are often incorrectly considered ‘gender-neutral’. Mobility is socially determined by gender roles related to reproduction, production and community. This research investigates the cohesive relationship of urban transportation, including mobility, gender and care, by studying the case of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The differences between women’s and men’s participation in transportation are identified and connected to gender-role activities. The findings show a clear relationship between urban mobility and gender roles. There is clear evidence of women’s trade-off between travelling less than men and carrying more unpaid work in the family, which is more pronounced for married women who live with their families. Differences in women’s traffic experiences compared to men’s reveal the disadvantages that women face in traffic. The findings of this research will assist the HCMC transport sector and project executive agencies in designing gender-inclusive projects. The dissemination of this research will draw attention to the gender dimension of transport and encourage gender mainstreaming across the transport sector to promote and support equality and women’s empowerment.

Gender-sensitive health indicators for health reporting at the Robert Koch Institute (GBE-GI)-apilot project as part of the Joint Action PreventNCD project

Health reporting (GBE) based on gender-sensitive indicators can provide information on gender inequalities, improve health promotion and healthcare, promote gender mainstreaming, and provide relevant information for gender equality measures. To date, there is no set of gender-sensitive health indicators for Federal Health Reporting at the Robert Koch Institute. As part of the Joint Action Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases, gender-sensitive health indicators are to be identified, evaluated, and integrated into the Robert Koch Institute's health reporting website in apilot project. This is done in three work packages. In ascoping review, the available evidence on gender-sensitive health indicators and theoretical explanations for gender inequality in EU and OECD member states since 2014 will initially be assessed (work package1). Building on this, identified indicators and explanatory approaches will be collated for evaluation and selection in astructured consensus process as part of athree-stage Delphi approach consisting of afocus group discussion and an online survey (work package2). The evaluated indicator set will then be integrated into the Robert Koch Institute's health reporting website (work package3). The results will be disseminated via scientific publications and conference presentations. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpingerLink as Supplementary Information.

Implementation of Gender Equality Policy at Village Community Empowerment Office, Population Control, Family Planning, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PMDPPKBPPPA) in Barru Regency

Gender inequality has long been a national issue whose handling requires awareness from various parties so that the government issued a gender equality policy contained in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program with the policy of Law Number 1 of 2017 concerning Gender Mainstreaming. With these problems, researchers will analyze the implementation of gender equality policies at the PMDPPKBPPPA Office of Barru Regency so that gender injustice can be minimized. The method used is a qualitative approach with a case study research type. The results showed that the implementation of gender equality policies has been well implemented supported by George Edward III's theory with indicators of Communication, Resources, Disposition and Bureaucratic Structure. Communication of policy implementers is well established, adequate resource readiness, highly dedicated disposition of implementers and non-overlapping bureaucratic structures. So it can be concluded that the implementation of gender equality policies at the PMDPPKBPPPA Office of Barru Regency has been well implemented even though there are still indicators that need to be improved by policy implementers located on communication indicators where socialization is not optimal.

Men in European Union’s gender equality policies

Gender mainstreaming is designed to address the social roles of both women and men. How are men included in gender equality policies? I conduct an analysis of all gender equality strategies and annual reports of the European Commission – a global leader in this field – since 1982. I find that, since the mid 1990s, the Commission has included men as contributors to gender equality (‘problem solvers’). Yet, men’s disadvantages in education and health were only addressed between 2006 and 2015. Later on, men’s problems have been ignored, as they have been increasingly portrayed as a uniformly privileged group, undeserving of European policies. This withdrawal from addressing men’s problems exposes the tension between legitimising policies for one group (women) and addressing the needs of a complementary group (men). A novel approach to gender equality policies should revive the global debate on their meaning and implications. My findings also raise new questions about the power of the European Commission to construct policy target populations.

Gender Mainstreaming and Diversity in Higher Education: An Experience in Software Engineering Education

Gender Mainstreaming and Diversity in Higher Education: An Experience in Software Engineering Education

Transformational Leadership As A Catalyst For Enhancing Gender Equality And Women's Representation In Public Administration: Opportunities For Increased Access And Involvement In South Sudan

The Gender Equality in Public Administration Study was carried at the National Transformational Leadership Institute (NTLI) of the University of Juba in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare and UNDP South Sudan. The Study employed UNDP’s global GEPA initiative framework and UNDP-OECD Toolkit for Mainstreaming and Implementing Gender Equality in Public Life. which consists of four pillars, namely,1) Institutional and governance frameworks for gender equality and mainstreaming; 2) Gender-sensitive practices in parliaments; 3) Gender-sensitive public employment systems; 4) Gender-sensitive practices in the judiciary. Based on South Sudan context and the systems alreadyestablished,some key aspects of the UNDP-OECD tool with particular emphasis on Pillars (1) and (3) were adopted. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection that include surveys, face-to-face interviews, consultation workshops and focus group discussions were used to reach out to gender focal persons from all government institutions (ministries, commissions and parastatal organizations), organized forces, Academia and Civic groups that include Faith Based Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and Disability Persons Organisations.The collated information was analysed using SPSS and interpretation provided. The studyfound the existence of considerable gender differentials in terms of genderrights, accessto humanrights and access to justice. Gender inequality and Sexual Gender-Based Violence are widespread and mostly intensified by cultural norms and insecurity caused by interstate and intracommunal conflicts. Gender equality and women’s access, involvement and representation in Public Administration are linked to multiple structural and functional constraints which differ across sectors in South Sudan. Analysis from this study, clearly underlines that participation and access to formal political power structures is impeded by inherent gender imbalance in institutionalstructures, unequal power sharing, socio-economic context, culture, ideological and psychologicalfactors, which remain sticky, normalized and increasingly accepted as part of life. From the foregoing, it is imperative that directed policy initiatives and legal framework be established to address the issues. The Government of the Republic of South Sudan should conduct a review of the legislative and policy framework to integrate the minimum of 35% quotas for womenin all public administration (National Gender Policy; National Strategic Plan Framework; LabourAct, Civil Service Act and Public Service Regulations);

The political economy of gender mainstreaming in energy access in Senegal

Abstract In June 2017, the Economic Community of West African States adopted the Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access to integrate gender equity in West Africa’s energy and climate policy making. The policy represents the first regional gender and energy policy in the world, establishing a framework to enhance understanding at the nexus of gender and energy, improve the inclusivity of policies, programs, and initiatives, and increase women’s participation in the field of energy in the public and private sectors. Each member state developed a National Action Plan (NAP) to operationalize these goals and align implementation with national contexts and policy priorities. This study examines the experience of Senegal’s NAP development, from 13 semi-structured interviews of key stakeholders and document review. We use the Actors, Objectives, Context political economy framework to understand how Senegal’s economic and political structures, historical and social context, and influence of key stakeholders shaped their efforts to mainstream gender in the country’s energy sector. We then describe four main objectives of actors in government, civil society, and the development space involved in policy development, summarizing these as: electricity access, economic development, access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking, and gender equity. We find that the objectives of government and development actors are reflected in the emphasis on energy access in the NAP and the government’s long-term development agenda, though a critical lack of engagement with the private sector has limited the policy’s efforts to mainstream women across energy sub-sectors beyond clean cooking. Women’s civil society organizations, historically less engaged with energy issues, have nonetheless achieved considerable success in advocating for increased women’s political participation. This advocacy has set a precedent for policies promoting ‘positive discrimination’ for women and marginalized groups, evident in policy activities aimed at electrifying women’s economic sectors.

“If you don't go to site, they call you a lazy person”: Drivers of women's participation in artisanal and small-scale mining: The case of rural northern Ghana

In recent years, women's involvement in informal artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activities in sub-Saharan African countries have surged. While many studies have attributed the increased involvement of women in ASM to the rising economic hardship in rural landscapes, a deeper interrogation of the socioeconomic and sociocultural drivers of the surge in women in ASM remains underexplored. This study inquires as follows: has women's increased participation in ASM anything to do with socioeconomic factors, or sociocultural factors, or to both? The study draws on a qualitive case study research design involving in-depth interviews with 67 women miners in northern Ghana, one of the emerging ASM hotspots. It answers the question by analyzing (1) the socioeconomic drivers of women's participation in ASM, and (2) the sociocultural drivers of women's participation in ASM. This helps in identifying the contextual constraints to women's participation in ASM in Ghana and other regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings show that the socioeconomic drivers of women's participation in ASM are unemployment, increasing household needs, climate change effect on agriculture, and the quest to acquire physical assets. A key contribution of the study relates to how the local communities' sub-culture, social recognition for women who made it in ASM and marital challenges drive women's participation in ASM. Participation in ASM inures to women's empowerment in the long-run provided the sociocultural, financial, and technological barriers facing women miners are addressed. The findings underscore the urgent need for a robust policy on gender mainstreaming and the creation of a gender-sensitive mining environment alongside formalization of ASM activities in developing countries.

Abstract A009: Determinants of increased generalized self-efficacy among Hispanic/Latino colorectal cancer patients participating in a Cancer Moonshot Study

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for a greater proportion of all cancer deaths among Hispanic/Latino/a/x (H/L) individuals compared to Non-Hispanic White (NHW) subjects. However, the tumor landscape and key determinants of outcomes for CRC among H/L patients remain understudied. Methods: As a Cancer Moonshot initiative, we launched the “Enfrentando el Cancer en Comunidad” (ENLACE) study, which engages H/L CRC patients to characterize their germline genetics and tumor genomic landscape, and to collect data to identify determinants of participation in genetics/genomics research and cancer outcomes. H/L CRC patients >=18 years of age are being recruited from two healthcare facilities: a safety-net hospital, Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA Gen), and a university medical center, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (Norris). An H/L bilingual team administered surveys to assess patient demographics, acculturation level, Latino values, health literacy, numeracy, CRC risk factors, genetics knowledge (Knowgene scale), and generalized self-efficacy (GSE) upon recruitment for the study, and after return-of-results (ROR) of somatic and germline testing. Results: 165 H/L CRC patients have joined the ENLACE study, with 105 completing baseline surveys (56 male, median age 53 (IQR = 45-60)), and 39 with finalized ROR. Most of the participants self-identified as White (58.1%), were Mexico-born (52.4%), and married (50%). Patients from Norris (n = 33) were more likely to be US-born (55%), college graduates (21%), and annually earn at least $100,000 (69%) while employed full-time (45%) than LA Gen patients (all p-values <0.01). Additionally, Norris patients had higher numeracy and health literacy scores at baseline than LA Gen (p = 0.006 & p = 0.042, respectively). LA Gen patients (n = 72) showed higher scores for familism, respect, traditional gender roles, material success, and mainstream values in the Latino-American cultural values scale (all p-values < 0.05). Higher levels of GSE across all patients were associated with increased numeracy (p = 0.014). LA Gen participants with a higher score for GSE, had on average, higher subscores for material success (p = 0.011), competition and personal achievements (p = 0.07), and mainstream values (p = 0.051), and decreased uncertainties about genetic testing (p = 0.05). A multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for treatment facility, acculturation, age, gender, and income reported that a 1 unit increase in numeracy was statistically significantly associated with 1.62 times the odds of having a greater than the median GSE score (95% CI: 1.09-2.39, p = 0.016). After ROR, a decrease in the number of times participant selected “Don’t know” in the KnowGene scale was reported (p <0.001). Conclusion: We report differences in baseline characteristics for ENLACE participants across healthcare facilities and determinants of generalized self-efficacy. These findings can help inform future interventions to improve self-efficacy and optimize engagement of H/L patients navigating CRC treatment. Citation Format: Joel Sanchez Mendez, Carmen Chavez, Lucia Enriquez, Julie O Culver, Charité N Ricker, Natalia Gutierrez, Sandra Algaze, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, John D. Carpten, Heinz-Josef Lenz, Mariana C. Stern. Determinants of increased generalized self-efficacy among Hispanic/Latino colorectal cancer patients participating in a Cancer Moonshot Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A009.

Gender mainstreaming and gender-disaggregated data on migrant women: WEMov’s Open Letter

The European Union (EU) stands as a mosaic of diversity, enriched by a substantial migrant population, where women play a vital role. Migrant women face vulnerabilities, often disproportionate to their male counterparts. Yet, they also make significant economic and social contributions as entrepreneurs, professionals, caregivers, activists, and members of their communities. This open letter is a brief that argues that gender mainstreaming and the utilization of gender-disaggregated data are crucial tools for addressing gender disparities and ensuring effective policymaking.

Reception Centers and Practices for Women Migrants

This paper focuses on reception centers for women migrants from a gender mainstreaming perspective and it reflects on the current practices and their adequacy with women migrants’ needs. Based on COST Action Women on the Move (CA19112)’s experience and research, it discusses the different typologies of reception facilities, and highlights the impact of reception on women migrants’ integration, as well as the necessity to coordinate best practices across Europe and EU Member States. Then authors recommend to improve the quality of reception with better trained staff and measures adequate to women migrants’ specific needs for their safety and health. The research also suggests introducing integrative programs and coordinating information and good practices across Europe, but above all an end to detention centers for migrants.

Progress and challenges of gender mainstreaming in Spanish university cooperation for international development: the technical staff’s viewpoints

PurposeConsidering the critical role of higher education institutions in the advancement of the 2030 Agenda, this paper aims to analyse the incorporation of the gender perspective (Sustainable Development Goal 5) in the University Cooperation for International Development.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative methodological strategy, this paper identifies the potentialities and challenges of this perspective from the point of view of the technical staff of the cooperation units of seven Spanish universities.FindingsResults show a strong intention to incorporate gender principles, in accordance with the SDGs framework. However, the findings also point to certain divergences in the forms of understanding and implementing gender equality in practice. Finally, this paper uncovers a variety of strategies to navigate the resistances, still existing in the university community.Originality/valueSpain is orienting the legal framework of its cooperation and international relations towards the ambitious horizon of a feminist foreign policy. Universities are key actors in international development cooperation and the implementation of the SDGs. This is an issue that has received little research attention, particularly from a gender perspective.

Gender-inclusive urban planning: European frameworks as a potential methodology for Arabian Gulf urban parks

PurposeThis trigger article explores established European gender-mainstreaming urban planning frameworks of urban parks to analyze and identify ways that could be applied or adapted for Arabian Gulf cities. It aims to accelerate the mainstreaming process, increasing women’s participation and inclusion in urban spaces, paving the way for future research.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical frameworks are created by reviewing legal and policy evolution, city-issued guidelines and European cities’ case studies (Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and Vienna) engaged in gender mainstreaming in urban planning. These analytical tools are then applied to assess two Arabian Gulf parks (Al Azaiba Wadi Park, Muscat, Oman, and Dahl Al-Hamam Park, Doha, Qatar), suggesting a possible future research methodology.FindingsSuccess factors in European cities include integrating female perspectives, detailed user analysis, specific planning solutions and political will. Despite differing social and cultural contexts, commonalities exist for female park users in Europe and the Arabian Gulf. This trigger article proposes a methodology for assessing the potential effective application or adaptation of European established frameworks in the Gulf context to accelerate gender mainstreaming.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper proposes a methodology for future research, noting limitations such as limited input on design preparation processes in Gulf City park case studies, a lack of feedback from park users and only a brief overview of sociocultural differences. Future research should explore nuanced cultural contexts, including historical processes and gender dynamics, thorough literature review, expanded case study analysis and participatory approaches. The proposed methodology aims to demonstrate how European frameworks can guide gender-mainstreaming efforts in diverse contexts, facilitating collaborative solutions for inclusive urban planning.Practical implicationsDrawing from decades of European gender-mainstreaming activities, the paper distills urban planning principles and best practices for application or adaptation in the Arab Gulf.Social implicationsEnhancing the park experience for women through planning and design boosts gender equality in cities, benefiting their physical and social well-being.Originality/valueAn original methodology is suggested for adapting well-developed European gender-mainstreaming frameworks to Arabian Gulf parks. Authored by a male, this paper aims to advance gender issues in planning while exploring the role men can play in contributing to such.

Women, Peace and Security in EU Interventions: Analysing EULEX and Operation Irini

ABSTRACT This article examines the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the practice of EU-led missions: the EULEX Kosovo and the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI. It relies on qualitative research methods for analysing four elements (mandate, operational environment, in-theatre gender expertize, and gender mainstreaming). This article highlights that the same institutional approach might lead to fundamentally different results. The distinct natures of the missions point towards different EU roles in gender mainstreaming, which can be either foundational elements, such as in the case of EULEX Kosovo, or complementary, as in a maritime military operation with limited implementation opportunities.

Critical Actors and the Challenges in Mainstreaming Gender in Taiwan’s Parliament

Taiwan is currently Asia’s leader in gender equality on three indicators: Its national legislature comprises 42 percent women, the largest proportion among all Asian countries; it was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage; and it has a popularly elected woman president not from a politically established family. Despite these advances, efforts to make Taiwan’s parliament gender-sensitive has encountered constraints. While new institutions were created to make the parliament a more gender-friendly workplace, little progress was made regarding gender mainstreaming in the legislative process. This article points out that parliamentary parties are missing actors in gender mainstreaming. The article concludes that unless all constitutional branches practice it, gender mainstreaming as a state strategy to promote gender equality remains challenging.

Soft power in complicated and complex education systems: Gender, education and global governance in organisational responses to SDG 4

This article examines how the distinction between complicated and complex education systems contributes to our understanding of global governance and how “soft power” concerned with gender is used in international development organisations’ responses to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, the global goal for education. Four global governance approaches which shape these organisations are distinguished: partnership building, gender mainstreaming, gender activism and contestation by global feminist movements. These strands of soft power have implications for how meanings of gender, education, power and accountability are interpreted. The work of three organisations – the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the Gender at the Centre Initiative (GCI) and the Malala Fund – are reviewed to exemplify these global governance approaches. The analysis draws on a close reading of the organisations’ published documents to build a history of how the gender concerns of SDG 4 came to be interpreted, negotiated, contested or ignored. The activities of the three organisations show considerable interplay between concepts of complicated and complex education systems. The discussion raises questions regarding what kind of work soft power in gender and education does in a context of huge and growing global inequalities and insecurities. In addition, the question is posed why there is still no institutional base to articulate a global feminist politics which confronts and seeks to dismantle unjust structures of power.

The Gap between Policy and Action on Gender Mainstreaming

The Gap between Policy and Action on Gender Mainstreaming

Gender Mainstreaming in Women-Friendly Village Development Policies in Siak Regency, Riau Province - Indonesia

Even though Indonesia has adopted a Gender Mainstreaming policy through Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2000, gender inequality remains a significant issue in Indonesia’s development process. Inequality in Indonesia is largely due to a lack of commitment from the Government and Regional Governments to implementing Gender Mainstreaming (PUG), especially in Siak Regency. Women’s participation is necessary at every stage of development, so gender mainstreaming needs to be supported and implemented. If the policy is implemented in a village it will be more pronounced because it is implemented directly by the community. However, this policy is not yet women-friendly because women’s involvement in the policy formulation process is still low. Women are still used as policy objects, not subjects so women’s interests have not been accommodated much in village development policies. Gender Mainstreaming (PUG) also aims to provide protection to women so that women’s rights are guaranteed and fulfilled to grow, develop and participate optimally in accordance with human dignity, as well as receiving protection from economic and sexual exploitation. This research was designed using a justice theory approach and a public policy theory approach. In these two quite different approaches, various data and in-depth information regarding gender mainstreaming in development policy in the village were obtained. In the previous research, which was related to “Gender Mainstreaming in the Green Siak Policy: Design of a Women-Friendly Ecology-Based Regency Budget Transfer (TAKE) Policy in Siak Regency, Riau Province - Indonesia”, it was also not seen how this policy was only intended for the public interest, not especially the participation of women. Women in the development process are expected to participate where BPS data shows that in 2022 there will be 12.72% of female heads of households, a decrease compared to the previous year, namely 14.38%. Women have the same potential human resources as men, although in general, in Indonesia, the participation of men is more dominant than that of women. The birth of the Green Siak policy gave rise to the TAKE policy (ecology-based budget transfer) with the aim of realizing environmentally sound development only and not creating women-friendly villages. Gender mainstreaming in various government programs at the local level is still only a discourse (narrative policy). Gender issues have not yet become a central issue in local policy discussions, so gender issues are drowned out in the midst of other issues such as environmental issues, employment issues, poverty issues and infrastructure issues. Policies that should accommodate women’s interests amidst demands for achieving the SDGs have, in fact, not become mainstream in regional policies. The findings of this research indicate that village development policies are not yet fully inclusive of women or women-friendly. The policies issued still dominate the general interest and are not specific to women, such as women’s empowerment programs, women’s protection, and strengthening the capacity of women heads of households. Efforts to empower women are preventive of the occurrence of domestic violence. This effort is not solely through a juridical approach but can be accompanied by sociological, economic, psychological, criminological and cultural approaches that prevails in Siak Malay society. Keywords: Gender Mainstreaming, Policies, Women Friendly

Gender Mainstreaming National Development Plan: Analysis of its Integration into Public Policy

This study analyzed the integration of Gender Mainstreaming in Indonesia’s National Development Plan and its impact on public policy. This report used policy analysis to assess the implementation of Gender Mainstreaming in development plans and its impact. Data was collected from official documents, including development plans, regulations, and reports. Qualitative analysis assessed the integration of gender mainstreaming and gender indicators. Interviews with policymakers and experts provided context and constraints. The findings highlight the importance of gender mainstreaming in national development, successful integration in development plans, and challenges such as limited resources and cultural barriers. Gender integration positively impacts development goals by increasing women’s participation. Recommendations include training and strategic actions. In-depth policy analysis revealed a gap between gender rhetoric and action, indicating structural and cultural barriers. The integration of gender perspectives faces major challenges, emphasizing the need to educate policymakers and address barriers that hinder implementation. In conclusion, Gender Mainstreaming in National Development Plans faces major challenges, requiring increased understanding and concrete actions to overcome barriers. Keywords: Gender Mainstreaming; National Development; Public Analysis; Gender Integration, Integration Barriers

Create Gender-Equal City: A Comparison Between Vienna, Barcelona, and Shanghai City

Urban inequality is a pressing issue that can significantly hinder a city's development. It is essential to recognize the importance of establishing gender equality within a city to ensure sustainable urban progress. This comprehensive study thoroughly investigated the urban planning perspective on creating gender-equal cities, specifically emphasizing successful models from Vienna and Barcelona. Furthermore, the study conducted a detailed comparative analysis of these two cities in contrast to Shanghai, delving into the fundamental principles that have made Vienna and Barcelona successful in promoting gender mainstreaming and enhancing gender sensitivity in urban planning. The research also critically examined Shanghai's current approach to urban planning, pinpointing areas that necessitate improvement in promoting gender equality. By drawing from the experiences of Vienna and Barcelona, the study offered practical and actionable recommendations to enhance gender equality within Shanghai's urban planning framework, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and fairer urban environment for all of its residents. The insights gained from Vienna and Barcelona are invaluable and should be shared and applied to various cities, taking into account their distinct and unique circumstances.