Gender Mainstreaming

Gender Mainstreaming

www.venet-eu.comJudith Riessner, 2.nd TCA Meeting in Graz, Jan. 06


An Approach



Contents• Common understanding of GM• Goals of gender equality in TCA VENet• Responsibilities• Next Steps



Common Understanding



GM …

• Is a strategy to consider the aspect of gender equality on different levels in any stage, process or outcome of a project. As there is no gender neutral reality, it means to consider the different life situations of men and women for every social action.

• Should enhance quality



Understanding of GM in the Austrian DP as an

exampleGM is integrated in the overall strategy. All activities aim to reduce gender inequality in the labour market. This is manifested on the following levels:



Level of strategyThe DP commits itself to enhance equality in all its activities. It

defines specific equality goals, lives and communicates these.

Level of structure and processGM is an executive function (top down). The gender delegate

supports the planning and implementation of equality as well as its evaluation. The gender perspective is integrated in all processes.

Level of productsAny development of a product is preceded by a gender analyses.

Identification of a need of action, development of the goals of equality and implementation always follow the cycle

• Definition of a goal of gender equality • Analyses of the problem• Development of options• Decision for a solution• Realization of the decision• Measurement of success



• What is the GM understanding of your DP?

• Where is it different to the Austrian understanding?

• What could be our common understanding of GM?



Goals of Gender Equality



Overall Goal

VENet intends to develop a model that ALSO enhances equality of men and women in the labour market



Subgoals (examples)

• Consider different general conditions of men and women (e.g. mobility, care taking responsibilities…)

• Help to enlarge the spectrum of vocational choice of women by creating new professions (occupational images). In Austria almost 50% of the women choose one of only 3 professions, whereas the 3 favourite professions for men are chosen by only 20%) Do you know these figures for your country?

• Help reduce gender specific prejudices by creating awareness in the co-operating enterprises



How can we reach these goals?

Regarding development of VENet Model and support system

• Analyse different situation of men and women with statistics

• Formulate goals of gender equality on basis of these statistics with a target/actual comparison

• Develop a support system (check list, manual, consulting,…) how one can react to inequalities on the labour market when implementing the model



Regarding public relations (homepage, mainstreaming, final event)

• Use gender sensitive languageHow is this done in your language?

• Selecting pictures by avoiding stereotypes• Equally represent and value qualities and

performances of women and men • distinguish used statistics according to gender



Regarding our internal structures

• treat each other with respect and esteem• agree that equality of treatment is a horizontal

topic and gets incorporated into all activities• document all activities reg. equality of treatment

and GM, make aims transparent and report about progress



Which goals have you got for your products?



Responsibilities



TCA Secretary: makes sure topic is raised and treated

DP in charge of products: makes sure that products are “gendered”, implementation of aims regarding the product

Moderation: makes sure that topic is treated appropriately, checks speaking time, makes sure everybody expresses her/his opinion

Documentation: document treatment of topic accordingly

Evaluator: makes sure that goals are well documented ways to reach aims are definedresults are documentedvariations are explained

Everybody is responsible for GM in his/her role and should question plans, decisions and actions critically at any time



Next Steps



Who is doing what until our next meeting?

Commitments please….



Summary

GM is…

• An integrated overall strategy, no extra burden

• An essential part of an Equal project• Something that everybody is

responsible for in her/his role



Thank you!

Documents

Gender Mainstreaming