Description
Gender mainstreaming is the current international approach to promoting equality between women and men.
It is based on the recognition that gender inequality operates at all levels and in all sectors of society, and thus needs to be addressed in the mainstream. It aims to ensure that women and men benefit equitably from all that society has to offer, and are equally empowered to affect its governance and decisions.
The Gender Management System (GMS) is a holistic and system-wide approach to gender mainstreaming developed by the Commonwealth, for the use of governments in partnership with other stakeholders including civil society and the private sector. The GMS is a comprehensive network of structures, mechanisms and processes to enable governments and other organizations to contribute to gender equality through all policy-making, planning and activities.
This Quick Guide has been produced to assist governments and other stakeholders in mainstreaming gender in mainstreaming gender using a GMS. It is an abridged version of the GMS publication Gender Management System Handbook.
Contents
Preface
1. Introduction and Overview
Gender Mainstreaming
Purpose and Scope of this Guide
National Women’s Machineries
Definition of a Gender Management System
What does a GMS Achieve?
2. Conceptual Background
From Women in Development to Gender and Development
Some Useful Concepts in Gender Analysis
3. The Enabling Environment
Political Commitment
Global, Regional and National Mandates
Resources
Legislative Framework
Critical Mass of Women in Decision-Making Positions
Civil Society
The Role of the Commonwealth Secretariat
4. Gender Management System Structures and Mechanisms
Key Stakeholders
Lead Agency
Gender Management Team
Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee
Gender Focal Points
Gender Caucus in National Parliament and Local Government
Gender Equality Commission/Council
GMS Mechanisms
5. Gender Management System Processes
Establishing a GMS
The Gender Action Plan
Mainstreaming Gender in the National Development Plan and Sectoral Ministries
References
Appendix
List of Figures
List of Tables