Gender and evidence-based planning: the CIET methods

Abstract

Epidemiological combined with experiential evidence from communities can produce important and sometimes surprising insights into gender relations, to inform policies that address changing needs. CIET has standardised a community-based cross-design for the gender-sensitive collection and analysis of three types of evidence: impact, coverage, and costs. Five steps help to ensure that women's voices are heard in planning. Gender-stratified analysis of existing data is a starting point. Stratification of all responses by sex of the respondent prevents a numerical bias in favour of men translating into a gender bias in the analysis. Female focus groups inform survey design, interpretation, and appropriate strategies for change. Gender is a factor in risk and resilience analysis. Finally, gender-sensitive logistics ensure women's equal participation. First-order outputs include actionable gender data to advocate in favour of women. Second-order outputs include an enabling environment for equitable development, challenging the gendered patterns of economic marginalisation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Neil Andersson

Professor Neil Andersson is the executive director of the CIET group of NGOs and institutes. A physician and epidemiologist, his current work focus is on gender-related violence. Email: [email protected]

Melissa Roche

Melissa Roche is a gender specialist at CIET and previously worked for UNDP and UNIFEM. Email: [email protected]