Inclusion And Mainstreaming of Gender and Vulnerable Groups’ Issues in Development Projects

Gender mainstreaming means integrating a gender equality perspective at all stages and levels of policies, programmes and projects. Situations of women and men differs according to country, religion, age, ethnic or social origin, living conditions, interests, access to resources and other factors. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account these differences when designing, implementing and evaluating polices, programmes and projects such that they will benefit both men, women and other groups to enhance gender equality and ensure inclusivity. Studies have shown that gender inequalities have direct costs as decisions regarding policies and services which do not fully take into account the needs and situations of all final users may lead to inappropriate solutions and an inadequate allocation of public funds. Gender analysis and gender & vulnerable groups impact assessments are crucial tools for gender and vulnerable groups mainstreaming as they support the practical implementation. Other important factors include; political will, commitment to and awareness of gender equality issues, knowledge, resources and availability of information. Gender mainstreaming is a responsibility of all actors and it is relevant for all policy areas that deal with the needs of people and at all levels. Gender and Vulnerable Groups (GVGs) mainstreaming is an inclusive strategy aimed at integrating the need of all people and improving the quality of public policies, programmes and projects to ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources. GVGs mainstreaming is being accepted globally as a strategy towards realizing gender parity and inclusion of vulnerable populations in development agenda which when properly addressed and implemented will be a transformative approach with a great potential for social change. Thus, the training has been designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills required to address the issues regarding adequate gender mainstreaming, targeting and managing vulnerable groups in development interventions.