Development & Implementation of Group Development Plan & Mainstreaming of Gender and Vulnerable Groups

The design process of any development programme needs to respond to the context and circumstances of the planned activity. All development interventions should have some impact on gender and vulnerable groups mainstreaming. Gender and Vulnerable Groups (GVGs) mainstreaming in national sustainable development planning requires integrating gendered analyses and gender equality into planning at the national level. Well designed and effective programming based on analysis and clear policies and strategies is at the core of development cooperation for achieving gender and vulnerable groups mainstreaming, women and girl’s empowerment and gender equality. Programme design informed by analysis, based on factors such as the economic and social situation, power and politics, can identify opportunities and risks for gender mainstreaming. Thorough analysis, along with indicators and identification of results, is the backbone of effective programmes. Mainstreaming GVGs in development planning can bring several benefits to governments as it fosters intersectoral and inter-agency coordination and this should drive all parts of Government, including those responsible for development planning, macroeconomics, social, environmental, information, sciences and technologies-related policies and can only be accomplished with the requisite political will and commitment to transforming administrative structures and modes of decision-making. Also, the incorporation of GVGs perspectives in national policies and strategies should not be seen as an added burden, but as a means of identifying the different challenges faced by women, men and all vulnerable groups at all ages, which will help in adopting targeted measures to address existing challenges and in ensuring that GVGs can contribute to and benefit from national sustainable development. Considering that GVGs inclusion is a cross-cutting issue addressed by a range of development platforms, the inclusion of such perspective will also promote coherence in pursuing the SDGs in alignment with international and regional commitments. Also, promoting and implementing GVGs mainstreaming could strengthen financing for development and promote inclusiveness. Therefore, participation at all stages of the development planning, from its design, implementation and evaluation will build national ownership of the sustainable development agendas and translate these commitments to progressive changes. GVGs policies and programmes must be supported by capacity-building of all staff so that they have the necessary skills and information to engage in gender analysis of public sector policies and programmes. This training is therefore designed to address the various challenges bedevilling implementation and development of GVGs mainstreaming.