Key Terms in Gender and Development
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| Gender differences, which heavily influence differences in economic and social roles and access, should not be assumed but investigated, since they vary from one context to another as well as one time period to another. Photo Source: DevTech Systems, Inc.
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Below are key terms used in the field of gender and development.
Sex and Gender
The terms "sex" and "gender" are often used interchangeably, however, in fact, they have different but related meanings.
Sex is a biological construct that defines males and females according to physical characteristics and reproductive capabilities. USAID policy calls for the collection and analysis of sex-disaggregated data (male vs. female) for individual-level indicators and targets. Gender and sex are not synonyms.
Gender is a social construct that refers to relations between and among the sexes, based on their relative roles. It encompasses the economic, political, and socio-cultural attributes, constraints, and opportunities associated with being male or female. As a social construct, gender varies across cultures, is dynamic and open to change over time. Because of the variation in gender across cultures and over time, gender roles should not be assumed but investigated. Note that "gender" is not interchangeable with "women" or "sex."
The definition for "sex" is, therefore, universal, while "gender" is a socially defined category that can change. This distinction is important since it means that gender differences and dynamics between men and women (and boys and girls) must be identified and analyzed since the way in which "masculinity" and "femininity" are expressed and understood differ from one setting to the next.
Gender Equality and Gender Equity
Gender equality and gender equity have different meanings but are related terms. Gender equality is a development goal; gender equity interventions are the means to achieve that goal.
Gender equality is a broad concept and a development goal. It is achieved when men and women have equal rights, freedoms, conditions, and opportunities for realizing their full potential and for contributing to and benefiting from economic, social, cultural, and political development. Equality does not mean that women and men become the same but that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities, and opportunities do not depend on whether they are born male or female. It means society values men and women equally for their similarities and differences and the diverse roles they play. Gender equality is not a "women's issue" but should concern and fully engage men as well as women. It signifies the results of gender equity strategies and processes.
Gender equity is the process of being fair to women and men. To ensure fairness, measures must often be available to compensate for historical and social disadvantages that prevent women and men from otherwise operating on an equitable basis, or a "level playing field." Equity leads to equality.
Gender Integration
Gender integration involves identifying and then addressing gender differences and inequalities during program and project planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Since the roles and relations of power between men and women affect how an activity is implemented, it is essential that project and activity planners address these issues on an ongoing basis. USAID uses the term gender integration in planning and programming. Conducting a gender analysis and/or gender assessment is the first step for ensuring successful gender integration into programs and policies.
Gender analysis refers to the systematic gathering and analysis of information on gender differences and social relations to identify and understand the different roles, divisions of labor, resources, constraints, needs, opportunities/capacities, and interests of men and women (and girls and boys) in a given context. USAID requires that the findings of a gender analysis are used to inform the design of country strategic plans, Assistance Objectives, and projects/activities. A gender analysis can be conducted at: the macro level, analyzing socio-cultural, economic, health, or demographic trends and legal policies and practices at the national or regional level; and/or at the micro level, examining gender relations, roles, and dynamics at the community or household level within the context provided by the macro analysis. Taking a macro or micro focus depends on the purpose for which the analysis is being undertaken. For example, a gender analysis conducted to inform a country strategic plan will most likely assess the issues from a broader, more macro level, whereas a gender analysis conducted for the design of a project/activity, may look at the issues from both a macro and micro perspective. See "The ADS and Gender"
Gender assessment involves carrying out a review, from a gender perspective, of an organization’s programs and its ability to monitor and respond to gender issues in both technical programming and institutional policies and practices. USAID Missions often carry out a gender assessment of their portfolio to determine whether gender issues are being effectively addressed in Mission-supported programs and projects. A gender assessment is a very flexible tool, based on the needs of the Mission, and may also include a gender analysis at the country level. If a gender analysis is included in a gender assessment, this meets the ADS requirements. If a gender assessment reviews the internal policies and practices of the operating unit (e.g., USAID Mission), this is very similar to a gender audit. A gender audit addresses not only gender in programming issues but also in the practices and policies of the Mission as a whole, such as human resource issues, budgeting, and management, to provide a comprehensive picture of gender relations at several levels within the organization. Findings from a gender assessment have been used, for example, to inform a country strategic plan or an Assistance Objective and/or develop a Mission Gender Plan of Action or a Mission Order on gender.
Gender-Based Constraints
Gender-based constraints are factors that inhibit either men's or women's access to resources or opportunities of any type. They can be formal laws, attitudes, perceptions, values, or practices (cultural, institutional, political, or economic). For example:
- Customary laws dictating that only men can own land is a gender-based constraint on agricultural production since it can prevent women from producing or marketing crops or obtaining credit.
- A law that prevents pregnant teenagers from attending school is a gender-based constraint since it disadvantages girls relative to boys in obtaining an education.
- An HIV/AIDS program that is located in an ante-natal clinic is a gender-based constraint if men are reluctant to get tested in this setting.
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