This guidance note from the UK Department for International Development suggests a structure, methodology and analytical framework for a Gender and Social Exclusion Analysis (GSEA). A GSEA examines who is excluded, plus the processes, impacts and implications of gender inequality and social exclusion. DFID country offices should carry out a GSEA before preparing a Country Governance Analysis and as part of the country planning process. The GSEA should inform the analysis, issues and choices stages of the country planning process.
The GSEA can be carried out in-house or with the input of consultants and should involve a range of personnel and advisers from different disciplines. Consultation with a range of actors, including women’s organisations and representatives of excluded groups, provides an important reality check on the analysis and proposed actions. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data is critical for the credibility of the GSEA.
In addition to sections on context and analysis of exclusionary processes and mechanisms, the GSEA’s structure may also cover:
- Possible future scenarios and risks posed by gender inequality and social exclusion
- The government, civil society, international community and private sector response – actions taken and planned and lessons learned
- Implications for DFID’s country strategy and indicators for the Country Planning Performance Framework.
The relationship between people and both formal and informal institutions is important for understanding how exclusion occurs within the spheres of society, market and state. These three areas involve consideration of the following issues:
- Society: This section explores the social norms, cultural practices and informal institutions that contribute to discrimination and prevent some groups from moving out of poverty. For example, it includes: vulnerability; intra-household relations; traditional local, religious and community governance, civil society and media; and social cohesion, violence and conflict.
- Market: This section analyses the processes of discrimination that lead to exclusion from economic opportunities. It will be particularly important in informing approaches to economic growth, private sector development and trade.
- State: This section analyses governance issues and the formal barriers that result in exclusion from decision-making processes, services, assets and opportunities. It covers citizenship, voice and accountability, formal political systems, policy, public services, the legal framework and politics.
