Gender Mainstreaming Straight to Gender Equality … or Heading for Trouble??

Today’s presentation The concept of gender mainstreaming What’s the difference between gender mainstreaming and gender equality The purpose of gender mainstreaming Problems relating to gender mainstreaming Recommendations

Gender Mainstreaming experience Gender mainstreaming of adult education Dissemination of the strategy Gender mainstreaming of labour market projects in Eastern Europe Equal projects: Gender mainstreaming of vocational and educational guidance

Definition "Gender mainstreaming is the (re)organisation, improvement, development and evaluation of policy processes, so that a gender equality perspective is incorporated in all policies at all levels and at all stages, by the actors normally involved in policy- making" (p.8).

What makes gender mainstreaming different from ’traditional’ gender equality work? Gender Mainstreaming is not about ensuring that all decisions are ”good for women”. Gender Mainstreaming is focused on both men and women. Gender Mainstreaming is to be a part of everyday work.

The purpose of Gender mainstreaming To make gender differences and inequalities on a structural level visible To combat discrimination due to gender To prevent exclusion based on gender differences To include men and women equally everywhere, in a way that makes both genders feel comfortable To ensure better quality in work and better quality of life for both men and women

The foundation of the strategy in Denmark The act on Gender Equality part 3 (4): ”Public authorities shall within their respective areas of responsibility seek to promote gender equality and incorporate gender equality in all planning and administration”

Problems related to Gender Mainstreaming An ”empty” strategy Problem definition and diagnosis The question of power Reproduction of stereotype gender conceptions

Gender-division of Danish nurses

What’s a male nurse anyway?

Recommendations 1) Define and discuss the equality problem you want to work with. Discuss alternative diagnoses of the problem at hand 2) Define what you mean by gender equality 3) Who will help you and who will fight you? How are you going make your enemies join you? 4) Avoid stereotypes by seeking diversity