NZAID Tools Analytical Tools 

Gender Analysis

How do you use gender analysis?

There are a wide number and variety of approaches, methodologies and tools for undertaking gender analysis. Further guidance is provided on: identifying and assessing key gender issues; some commonly used gender analysis frameworks, key steps in gender analysis and an NZAID ‘good practice’ example. For more specific guidance on when to undertake a gender analysis, what approach or methodology to use, the depth of analysis appropriate, and the specifics of how to do it, contact the NZAID Gender Advisor.

There are often various types of existing analyses and sources of information and data that can be collated, synthesized, and utilised in developing NZAID’s gender analyses, country, regional, and thematic programme strategies, and development Activities. These include:

  • Regional and country MDG Reports;
  • UNDP Human Development Reports;
  • Household Income and Expenditure Surveys;
  • Macroeconomic Policy Analyses;
  • Sector Studies and Information Systems;
  • Existing gender analyses by other donors, agencies and NGO partners;
  • Other socio-economic analyses which address gender issues and provide sex disaggregated data.

A step by step summary on how to use gender analysis in developing programmes and Activities follows. It should be emphasised that this is a guide to a process, not a blueprint - gender analysis is often, in practice, an iterative process.

Step 1:
Go to the Screening Guide for Mainstreamed Cross Cutting Issues to determine whether you have sufficient information on the gender impacts of the programme or Activity under consideration to proceed. This Screening Guide outlines three stages/levels of gender analysis, which can be undertaken as required and/or determined to be appropriate.
Step 2:
If you require more information, you will first need to identify and assess the key gender issues related to the programme or Activity under consideration. See Annex 1: Identifying and assessing key gender issues for guidance on the key categories of enquiry (what you want to find out); related issues/elements to consider; and analytical frameworks to consider.
Step 3:

If a detailed gender analysis is required, see Annex 2: Common gender analysis frameworks for a summary of some widely recognised frameworks, along with the key features, strengths, limitations and preferred use for each. Also see Annex 1: Summary of key gender analysis steps for a summary of essential gender analysis steps.

To undertake a detailed gender analysis, you will likely need to contract professional gender specialist resources. Discuss your requirements with the NZAID Gender Advisor, who can provide assistance with identifying specialist resources, drafting terms of reference and contracting advisory services, as required. Gender specialists frequently draw on a number of different frameworks, methodologies and approaches and tailor the gender analysis to the specific programme or Activity being assessed. Thus, it would be helpful to be familiar with the various analytical frameworks and the key steps in a detailed gender analysis, when contracting gender specialist services and appraising gender analysis reports.

Step 4:
Once the gender analysis is completed, you will need to seek views and comments on the draft from the Gender Advisor, associated advisors and colleagues before finalising the report. See Annex 1: Identifying and assessing key gender issues, Annex 2: Common gender analysis frameworks and Annex 3: Summary of key gender analysis steps for useful guidance on the essential information that a sound gender analysis should provide.
Step 5:
The completed gender analysis should be used to inform and shape the development of country, regional and thematic programme strategies; guide decisions on whether to support specific Activities, and/or modify the design, planning and implementation of development activities. Annex 4: NZAID gender analysis good practice example provides an NZAID ‘good practice’ example of how gender analysis and advisory services can assist in realigning or modifying an Activity to more effectively address gender issues and achieve the original planned gender equality outcomes.

See the reference section for further resources.