Why do we need gender-sensitive measurements of change? This report by Bridge (Development-Gender) examines conceptual and methodological approaches to gender and measurements of change. It focuses on current debates and good practice from the grassroots to the international level. It argues that measurement techniques and data remain limited and poorly utilised, making it difficult to know if efforts are on track to achieve gender equality goals and commitments.
Although the majority of development agencies have adopted a gender mainstreaming approach in terms of policy and planning, a recent assessment of gender mainstreaming in 14 international development institutions found that there was a significant lack of indicators to measure gender mainstreaming outcomes and impacts. Gender-sensitive indicators can be used to evaluate the outcomes of gender-focused and mainstream interventions and policies, assess challenges to success, and adjust programmes and activities to better achieve gender equality goals and reduce adverse impacts on women and men.
- Gender-sensitive measurements are critical for building the case for taking gender (in)equality seriously, for enabling better planning and actions by gender and non-gender specialists, and for holding institutions accountable to their commitments on gender.
- The process of choosing what to measure is political –indicators tend to reflect the priorities of decision-makers rather than those of the beneficiaries themselves (unless a participatory approach is used).
- Measurements can make visible the gaps between commitments, implementation and impact – thus can be used to hold commitment-makers accountable for their actions, or lack of action.
- Limitations with international indices include the tendency towards quantitative forms of measurement, combined with the unreliable nature of national-level census data.
- Many development agencies lack procedures to monitor whether commitments at the policy level are reflected in the internal structure, procedures and culture of an organisation.
- Gender-sensitive measurements can also be used to measure the outcomes of non-gender specific goals and activities on gender relations and inequalities.
While gender goals and indices at the international level provide some of the most important tools for advocacy and accountability around gender equality, they need refinement and better utilisation:
- UN agencies should continue review processes (such as the Gender-related Development Index and Gender Equity Index) and use them to develop improved methods of calculations and better choices of indicators.
- UN agencies and international research organisations should consider developing alternative measures such as a ‘standalone’ measure of gender equality or sex-disaggregating the Human Development Index (HDI).
- Research institutes, think tanks, development agencies and civil society groups should experiment with and develop new composite indices for measuring gender (in)equality.
- Composite indices for international use should select indicators which are: simple, few in number, relevant to key policy issues, comparable and affordable.
- Development organisations should apply new and existing indices to practical cases and document the types of knowledge and understanding they create.
- Work should be done on the adaptation of international indices to local contexts. A framework needs to be developed which can be used and adapted by national statistical offices across countries.
