Gender Analysis Tools

GENDER ANALYSIS is a tool for examining the differences between the roles that women and men play, the different levels of power they hold, their differing needs, constraints and opportunities, and the impact of these differences on their lives.
How can Gender Analysis impact the work of Vibrant Communities?
1. By helping us understand relationships between men and women. Gender Analysis does this by answering the following questions:
Q: What do men, women, adults, children and elders do, and where do they do it?
Q: Who has access to and control over resources and services, and who makes decisions in the community?
Q: What are the reasons behind these differences in gender?
EXAMPLE from the community:
A factory closes in town, leaving hundreds of people, mostly men, unemployed. In response, a local group initiates a re-training and income-generation program for the community. By analyzing the different and various ways in which the men’s unemployment will impact both men and women, the group can plan more effectively for sustainable poverty-reduction.
2. By helping us understand the impact of our poverty-reduction work on men and women, boys and girls.
EXAMPLE from the community:
A skills training program for people living in poverty has been delivered primarily through night classes. By considering the roles and activities undertaken by men and women, especially those related to parenting, this program could be assessed for its accessibility to men and women.
3. By helping us increase the capacity of our institutions and organizations to program for and consider gender equality.
EXAMPLE from the community:
For several years, a community organization has announced its meetings and events through the use of local grocery store and day-care bulletin boards, and has held its meetings in the local Women’s Institute Hall. Through an analysis of activities undertaken by local men and women, the organization re-considers its communication strategies for more equal access by men and women.