Equality Diversity and Inclusion - Gender Equality

Why do I need to consider EDI/Gender Equality?

Official Development Assistance (ODA) funded research has as its main objective: the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries.

ODA spend must comply with the requirements of the International Development (Gender Equality) Act 2014 which states, the “desirability of providing development assistance that is likely to contribute to reducing poverty in a way which is likely to contribute to reducing inequalities between persons of different gender”.

What is gender?

Gender is a social scientific term used to describe shared social ideals of femininity and masculinity, associated behavioural expectations and relations between sexes.

Key definitions:

Gender refers to the roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that a given society at a given time considers appropriate for men and women.

Gender equality: the state of being equal in status, rights and opportunities, and of being valued equally, regardless of sex or gender identity and/or expression.

Gender equality is part of a broader goal to ensure no one is left behind and that everybody – irrespective of their age, disability, race, religion, ethnicity, location, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic – enjoys equal opportunities, human rights and development outcomes.

Has gender been considered in the proposal?

Oxfam Rubric for integrating Gender in Research Planning. (Oxfam, 2019, p. 2).

Things to consider: incorporating gender equality into international development research and innovation

PDF of questions to consider regarding gender equality in research

Guidance on completing the Gender Equality Statement

Preparing the gender equality statement and meaningfully addressing gender equality, one needs to work with their local collaborators. They are the ones who know the local situation and can guide you to including all those affected, all the way from inception to dissemination and impact. Further information can be found in the Gender Equality Guidance document.