Introduction

In an era where global progress hinges on inclusive growth and social justice, gender mainstreaming has become an indispensable strategy for effective policy and development initiatives. It moves beyond simply addressing women's issues to systematically integrating a gender perspective into all stages of policy-making, program design, implementation, and evaluation across every sector. This approach recognizes that policies often have different impacts on women, men, and gender-diverse individuals, due to underlying social norms, power dynamics, and inequalities. By proactively identifying and addressing these disparities, organizations can create more equitable, efficient, and sustainable outcomes, ensuring that development benefits all members of society. This essential training course focuses on Gender Mainstreaming in Policy and Development, empowering professionals to drive equity and inclusivity.

This intensive training course, spanning five days, is meticulously designed to equip professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to effectively implement gender mainstreaming in their policy and development work. Participants will learn how to conduct gender analysis, develop gender-responsive indicators, and integrate a gender perspective into budgeting, planning, and monitoring frameworks. The course will delve into current best practices, case studies from various sectors, and strategies for overcoming challenges in implementation. By mastering the principles and methodologies of gender mainstreaming, participants will be empowered to design and execute policies and programs that are truly transformative, equitable, and contribute to sustainable development for all.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Policy Makers and Analysts
• Development Practitioners and Program Managers
• Project Coordinators and Officers
• Gender Advisors and Specialists
• Researchers and Academics in Development Studies
• Government Officials across sectors
• NGO and Civil Society Leaders
• Consultants in Development and Social Impact

Course Objectives

• Understand the core concepts and principles of gender mainstreaming.
• Differentiate between gender equality, gender equity, and women's empowerment.
• Master the methodology for conducting comprehensive gender analysis.
• Learn to integrate a gender perspective into policy formulation.
• Develop skills in gender-responsive planning and budgeting.
• Acquire techniques for monitoring and evaluating gender outcomes in programs.
• Comprehend the links between gender mainstreaming and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
• Identify and address barriers to effective gender mainstreaming.
• Explore best practices and case studies of successful gender mainstreaming initiatives.
• Develop a practical action plan for applying gender mainstreaming in their professional context.
• Enhance skills in advocacy and communication for gender equality.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender Mainstreaming

• Defining gender: social constructs vs. biological sex.
• Understanding gender equality, gender equity, and women's empowerment.
• The evolution of gender mainstreaming: from WID to GAD to mainstreaming.
• Rationale and benefits of gender mainstreaming for development effectiveness.
• International frameworks and commitments for gender equality (CEDAW, Beijing Platform).

Module 2: Gender Analysis Methodologies

• What is gender analysis and why is it crucial?
• Tools and frameworks for conducting gender analysis (e.g., Harvard Analytical Framework, Moser Framework).
• Collecting gender-disaggregated data and qualitative gender information.
• Identifying gender roles, relations, needs, and power dynamics.
• Analyzing intersecting inequalities (intersectionality).

Module 3: Gender-Responsive Policy Formulation

• Integrating gender into policy cycles: agenda setting, formulation, adoption.
• Identifying potential gender biases in existing policies.
• Developing gender-sensitive language and policy statements.
• Ensuring diverse voices and perspectives inform policy design.
• Case studies of gender-responsive policy successes and challenges.

Module 4: Gender in Planning and Programming

• Setting gender-specific objectives and expected outcomes.
• Designing gender-responsive activities and interventions.
• Allocating resources equitably: gender budgeting principles.
• Developing gender-sensitive logical frameworks and theories of change.
• Ensuring gender considerations in project implementation plans.

Module 5: Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB)

• Introduction to gender budgeting: concept, scope, and benefits.
• Tools and methodologies for analyzing budgets from a gender perspective.
• Tracking gender-responsive expenditures and revenues.
• Case studies of GRB implementation at national and sub-national levels.
• Advocacy for incorporating GRB into public finance management.

Module 6: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) with a Gender Lens

• Developing gender-sensitive indicators for outcomes and impacts.
• Collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data for MEAL.
• Participatory gender-sensitive evaluation methodologies.
• Ensuring accountability for gender equality commitments.
• Learning from gender mainstreaming experiences and adapting strategies.

Module 7: Sectoral Applications of Gender Mainstreaming

• Gender mainstreaming in economic development and livelihoods.
• Gender in health and education policies.
• Gender, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
• Gender in governance, peace, and security.
• Gender in infrastructure and urban planning.

Module 8: Challenges and Best Practices in Gender Mainstreaming

• Common barriers to effective gender mainstreaming (resistance, capacity gaps, data deficits).
• Strategies for overcoming resistance and building buy-in.
• Institutionalizing gender mainstreaming: roles, responsibilities, resources.
• Documenting and sharing best practices and lessons learned.
• Developing a gender champion network.

Module 9: Advanced Topics & Future Directions

• Gender mainstreaming and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Emerging issues: gender, digital technologies, and AI.
• Masculinities and engaging men and boys in gender equality.
• Gender in humanitarian action and fragile contexts.
• Personal action planning for integrating gender mainstreaming into daily work.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training