Gender and Diversity Analysis MB Status of Women Family Services & Labour

Gender Mainstreaming Integrating a gender perspective into all policies & programs to ensure decision-making processes, at all levels & stages, include an analysis of the effects on women & men respectively. Beijing Platform for Action – Gender Analysis

More than Gender Gender is not the only social category or position that can create barriers & inequalities. Women & men have diverse identities & positions, based on age, ethnicity, class, geography, sexuality, ability etc. People are socially constructed along the gender spectrum, but also according to their age, ethnic background, citizenship status, income & education level, among many other things. Public policy approaches are increasingly taking this into account.

What about Diversity? Diversity: recognizing & respecting individuals’ characteristics; what makes them distinct from others, including age, culture, ethnicity, skills, gender, sexual orientation, religion, family status, abilities, talents & perspectives (Provincial Civil Service Diversity Strategy, 2009) Intersectionality: a way to understand how multiple identities e.g., gender, ethnicity, class, age, location etc., intersect to construct individuals’ lived experiences and systemic barriers

Gender and Diversity Analysis An analytical tool or evidence-based process which examines: –The different concerns, opportunities, obstacles, experiences, capacities & needs of women and men of diverse groups. –The potential differential impacts (positive and negative) of a program or policy on women & men of diverse groups.

Nationality Culture Gender Expression Religion/Spirituality Gender Identity Source: Adapted from Intersectional Feminist Frameworks, CRIAW

Substantive Equality – Equality of Outcomes

How Does it Work? Exploring the specific needs of all citizens & taking into account population diversity; Identifying policy challenges & opportunities from different perspectives; Developing policy options based on these different perspectives & needs; Implementing, monitoring & evaluating programs and policies by assessing their impact upon and effectiveness for women, men and diverse groups.

Why is GDA important? GDA makes good policy It’s the law: Provincial, national & international human rights law Manitoba’s population is becoming more diverse: One size does not fit all

GDA Makes Good Policy Reflects the needs & interests of all citizens. Creates policy & programs that are relevant, comprehensive and effective. Avoids underutilized or ineffective policies & programs.

Good Policy Improves lives & impacts society in a positive way Tackles an identified problem & solves it Is about people – so, who are they?

Why GDA? As part of our provincial HIV/AIDS strategy, I am tasked with developing an educational campaign. I know that the largest growing population affected by HIV/AIDS is Aboriginal women. How can I find out the best ways to reach Aboriginal women across the province for the campaign?

Why GDA? My team is responsible for overseeing the planning & implementation of a major infrastructure project. Training & economic development have been identified as important outcomes of the project. How can I ensure these outcomes are successfully achieved?