How to Conduct a Gender Assessment

• In Event: Gender Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring access to quality education for all

Proposal

As practitioners and implementers design education programs, they must consider the various elements of the local context that influence a programs’ effectiveness. Gender, a cross-cutting issue, is important to consider and understand in the design and implementation of education programs. In order to ensure that all children have equitable access to a safe and quality learning environment, implementers must consider the underlying gender-related challenges that make it difficult for boys and girls to not only access school, but to also remain in school.
This panel will provide insight into the design of a gender assessment. Prior to implementing a program, it is important to understand the root causes of gender related challenges in educational access. In the “taking stock and looking forward” theme, this presentation will highlight important questions to consider in a gender assessment:
• Do the women have access to finance or legal authority over property?
• Are men sharing the burden of raising the children and providing for the family?
• Are boys enlisted to join gangs?
• Are girls married off to keep them “safe?”
By collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of the root causes for unequitable access and learning, and in doing so, they can be better positioned to identify and implement interventions that meet the specific needs of a community.

Author

• Jill Meeks, Chemonics International