Measuring aid: The DAC gender equality policy marker Session: Tracking and monitoring financing for gender equality Jenny Hedman DAC Network on Gender Equality 27 July 2011

What’s the DAC gender equality policy marker? Tool to identify Official Development Assistance that aims to achieve gender equality and strengthen women’s empowerment Used by all 24 bilateral members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC)

The DAC gender equality policy marker: methodology Identifies whether the aid activity: Targets gender equality as the principal (main) objective Targets gender equality as a significant objective (mainstreaming) Does not target gender equality

Overview of findings 31% of total bilateral aid by sector in targets gender equality = USD 24 billion/year Most of the gender equality focussed aid is allocated in the social sectors

Gender equality focus of different sectors DAC members’ commitments, average per year , %

Aid in the economic and productive sectors Much of gender equality focussed aid in the economic and productive sectors go to agriculture Donors should increase support for gender equality in sectors of transport, energy, trade, employment and agricultural inputs. DAC members’ commitments, average per year , %

Aid allocations by recipient country Countries with high levels of gender inequality receive relatively high shares of aid targeting gender equality

Aid to gender equality in fragile states DAC members’ commitments, average per year , % Donors should increase investments in gender equality in the governance and security sectors in fragile states, to implement SCR 1325.

Aid allocations by donor Gender equality focus of DAC donors’ aid programmes % of aid commitments, average

Aid allocations by donor Example: Canada

What can be improved? DAC members should assess all of their aid All multilaterals could use the same or a similar system

How is this information used for policy-making? Analysis and development of reports on different topics (fragile states, economic empowerment etc) Dissemination and use of figures donor by donor (for DAC peer reviews etc) Not a technically perfect tool – but political and allows for peer pressure

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