How to Improve gender statistics literacy among data users Regional Training Workshop to Improve Use of Existing Data for Monitoring Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Africa. 26-28 September 2011, Kampala, Uganda How to Improve gender statistics literacy among data users Opoku Manu Asare 2/27/2019

Outline Why statistical literacy? Goals of improving gender statistical literacy User of statistical literacy Importance of gender based statistical literacy Principles of Improve gender statistics literacy Strategies to improve gender statistics literacy Challenges of improving gender statistics literacy

What is statistical literacy? “Statistical literacy is the ability to understand statistical concepts and reason at the most basic level” (Snell 1999); Statistical literacy is a term used to describe the ability of an individual or a group to understand and comprehend statistics.

What is statistical literacy? (Cont.) As defined by the W. M. Keck Statistical Literacy Project, statistical literacy is about: Critical thinking about numbers, about statistics used as evidence in arguments. Ability to read and interpret number in statements, surveys, tables and graphs. Studies on how statistical associations are used as evidence for causal connections.

Ultimate goals of promoting the improvements of gender statistics literacy among data users Processing a basic understanding of statistical concepts and methods on gender statistics mm Identifying statistics from the pool of accessible statistical data Making effective use of relevant statistical data to understand and appreciate facts and phenomena on gender issues Analysing gender issues, making decisions and planning future actions with accurate, relevant and timely statistics and indicators

Who needs statistical literacy? Statistical literacy is needed by data users Every citizen who takes decisions Anyone who tries to evaluate numerical information Statistical literacy is needed most by: Households Political, economic and social leaders Managers Journalists Policy analysts Decision makers Most of all by the citizens of a modern democracy International community

Why is it important to be statistically literate? (Cont.) Statistical literacy is necessary for citizens to understand material presented in publications such as newspapers, television, and the Internet.  Being statistically literate is sometimes taken to include having both the ability to critically evaluate statistical material and to appreciate the relevance of statistically-based approaches to all aspects of life in general H.G. Wells is often cited as saying that statistical understanding will one day be as important as being claim as a citizen of a country.

Why is it important to be statistically literate in gender issues? The provision of accurate and authoritative statistical information strengthens our society. It provides a basis for decisions to be made on public policy, such as determining those whose rights are violated. It also allows women and men to grow their business, and improve their marketing strategies by targeting their activities appropriately In today's information-rich society, being gender statistically literate will give you an edge. It will make one more attractive to future employers and put you ahead of your competitors in the workplace. Broadening women and men statistical knowledge to engage in discussions and decision-making processes with authority, accuracy and integrity

Principles of Improve gender statistics literacy Enhancing What it is, and what it is not! Data awareness. It is important that the data used for a particular study is suited to the investigation in which it is being used. One needs to have an awareness of data sources, associated metadata, data availability and data accessibility when examining statistical claims. It is also important to understand that statistics is contextual. The ability to understand statistical concepts. Rumsey (2002), Watson (2005), Wallman (1993), Garfield (1999) and Ben-Zvi & Garfield (2004) all suggest the need to understand basic statistical concepts and terminology, including statistical symbols. However they (and others) also point out that understanding statistical concepts is not the same as understanding the mechanics of statistics (eg plugging numbers into the correct formula). Understanding statistical concepts requires the ability to read and use tools such as percentage, ratio, measures of spread, central tendency and variability, as well as tables, graphs and maps.

Principles of Improve gender statistics literacy Enhancing What it is, and what it is not! (Cont.) Acquire basic knowledge, skills and competencies in: Sustainable Development Goals, Targets and Indicators Basic concepts and methodologies in data, statistics and indicators and gender issues Basics of collecting data and generating descriptive statistics, basic interpretation skills (the ability to describe what the results mean in the context of the problem) The importance of data, statistics and indicators in promoting gender statistics in the context of national sovereignty and development

Principles of Improve gender statistics literacy Enhancing What it is, and what it is not! (Cont.) The ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate statistical information. The ability to organise data, construct and display graphs and tables and work with different representations of data is fundamental to the achievement of statistical literacy (Ben-Zvi & Garfield, 2004; Garfield, 1999; Watson & Kelly, 2003). S The ability to communicate statistical information and understandings. Statistical information needs to be communicated in an effective manner that can impact upon decision making' (Watson, 2005). Part of being statistically literate is the ability to discuss personal understandings of data, reactions to data and concerns over conclusions (Gal, 2002). This aspect relates not only to statistical terms but also to the appropriate expression of information: turning data into information using words. It includes the ability to organise and manage data sets, report data appropriately and question how data is reported. It also includes recognition of ethical issues such as confidentiality.

Strategies to improve gender statistics literacy among data users Target and engage in discussions and dialogue with Target top political and authorities on the relevance of gender statistics literacy (realize the political and social contract with the electorates). Prepare cabinet memos. Prepare a brief presentation or brief to the president/deputy/cabinet ministers Promote data awareness among users. Data awareness provides a motivation for users to want to learn statistics. The important aspects of promoting data awareness include the following: Data are a part of everyday life and are an important component of all aspects of the working world Data are often misused, leading to misinformation, and decisions made based on data can have a strong impact on our lives.

Statistical Literacy and the Mass Media Strategies to improve gender statistics literacy among data users (Cont.) Statistical Literacy and the Mass Media The Office recognises the crucial role played by the mass media in furthering the level of statistical literacy of the general public through the correct reporting of statistics. In view of this, the NSO will: Organise seminars for members of the MEDIA in order to improve their level of appreciation and understanding of statistics and their methodology and compilation processes. Particular attention will be placed on the use and misuse of statistics. Such activities aim to improve the type and quality of media reporting of official statistics Hold briefing sessions with the MEDIA when important and newly available statistics are released or when new statistical methodologies are adopted. Such activities will provide further background information to the new releases issued regularly.

Strategies to improve gender statistics literacy among data users (Cont.) Develop and implement statistical literacy on gender at educational institutions: Creating awareness for the census with the school system and promoting literacy on the way data are collected, analysed and applied Develop and incorporate curriculum/syllabus on statistics, focusing on gender issues The school project, devised by the Royal Statistical Society Centre for Statistical Education, UK, was brought to the attention of Stats SA in 2001, and it wanted to use it to develop a generation of South Africans to whom a census would be part of life.

Strategies to improve gender statistics literacy among data users (Cont.) Official statistics have substantial implications for the government and business sectors. Therefore, the NSO will: Work with public sector training institutions in order to provide statistical training to public officers. Opportunities for the increased application of statistics and the use of statistical surveys to enhance the knowledge and interest for civil servants across the board. Therefore these sessions will address the enhancement of knowledge of official statistics in their application to policy-making and evaluation Foster contacts with the business community by giving talks and presentations on statistical matters to members of the constituted bodies; Prepare and promote a “Statistics for Business” training programme in order to provide members of the business community with the opportunity of acquainting themselves with the practice and use of official statistics.

Strategies to improve gender statistics literacy among data users (Cont.) National Statistical Offices and Other Statistical Institutions have an important role to play creating and promoting stronger awareness of statistical literacy: Publication of brief and easy-to-read information on the most visible web- pages (e.g., webpages of NSOs, statistical associations, educational institutions) Use different media for statistical methodologies or data or statistical activities (e.g., information on data sources, why and how they were obtained) Advising different segments of the population separately about the proper use and interpretation of statistical data; Organising seminars for different segments of users of statistical data on selected statistical topics for a better understanding of statistical results Presentation of typical abuses or misunderstandings of statistical concepts and data

Strategies to improve gender statistics literacy among data users (Cont.) Develop and implement gender statistical literacy policy and programme Formulate inter-department working group of gender literacy progarmme Devote a news paper publication or a section of news papers or journal to special issues on statistical literacy was published in the Statistical Journal of the IAOS in 201 “statistical literacy on gender can no longer be viewed as a skill needed by a selected few; it is essential knowledge required by all that must be developed beginning at an early age and built on throughout one’s school years”, Promote statistical literacy on gender “to attain the goal of a making “Statistically literate citizenry”, it is crucial for teachers at all levels to be statistically literate themselves and to possess the pedagogical tools necessary to provide quality learning experiences that develop and deepen their stu- dents’ statistical understanding” (http://www.statlit.org/pdf/2

Challenges of improving gender statistics literacy among data users Lack of data on gender issues eg on SDGs Methodological challenges Policy, legislation and programme Low knowledge-based era Gender bias in data and statistics management and development, especially on reporting Segmenting of gender statistical literacy of users into: Basic literacy Intermediate literacy Advanced literacy Poses challenges in terms data anaylsis, presentation, dissemination

Exercise Give an example of how you might encounter statistics in your daily schedule at home Give an example of how you might encounter statistics in your daily schedule at the workplace Describe three ways in which statistics are presented to you through the media. Gender violence: reality or mirage?

End THANK YOU 2/27/2019