Women and CED INFO

Gender and CED

"Until all of us have made it, none of us have made it."
~ Rosemary Brown

Women have always been at the centre of their families and communities. Their knowledge and experience are essential to healthy and sustainable communities. CED that includes women values this knowledge and experience. It values the work that women do, both paid and unpaid, in their homes and in their communities.

What is gender-based analysis and what does it have to do with CED and the women of Nova Scotia?

To properly answer this question, you first have to know the facts-

• How many women are there in the province, how many of them are seniors or raising children?
• How many are unemployed?
• What is their average income?
• How many women are on social assistance?

Other facts should be considered, such as the percentage of women and men on local and provincial boards and committees. These will reflect whether women are adequately represented. Do they have a voice?

Once you know these facts, then ask why does it matter if we think about gender-equality. Does any one else think this is important? Have women voiced issues and concerns related to gender equality? What can be done locally about gender equality?

The facts
It is important to look at local statistics related to gender, such a social assistance rates, population statistics, and representation on boards and committees. In this way, it is possible to know how much of the population may be excluded by policies that are not well-thought out, as well as to see if gender equality, has been achieved.

It is important to consider the contribution women make to the economy, from volunteer work, unpaid work in the home and business development.

Why does this matter?
It is important to consider the social and economic impact of the exclusion of gender from policy-both development and implementation. It should be thought of as an opportunity to actually make policies and programs work effectively, instead of something that needs to be done as an afterthought.

What can be done?
Before acting, it is important to understand the meaning of gender-based analysis and to hear what others have to say about it.

It is important to learn some concrete measures that can be taken within local organizations leading to programs and policies that help achieve gender equality.

What is Gender-based Analysis? 

Gender-based analysis is a way of examining legislation, policies and programs to identify potential impacts on men and women.

Gender-based analysis:

• Examines the differences in women’s and men’s lives, particularly those that lead to social and economic inequality for women
• Recognises that not all women are the same by examining the varying perspectives of women according to age, sexual orientation, colour, race, ethnicity, ability/disability and socio-economic status
• Applies this understanding in an integrated and systematic approach to policy/program development and analysis
• Aims to create best practices for governments by responding both effectively and efficiently to the diverse interests of it’s citizens
• Aims to achieve equity rather that equality by recognising that equal treatment may not necessarily produce equitable results because men and women have different life experiences.

"The key goal of gender-based analysis is that we work toward a society in which both women and men are equally valued and in which people’s life choices are not limited because of their gender, ethnicity, social position or non-relevant characteristics". (Source: Adding value to policy and program work: practicing gender inclusive analysis, training workshop modules, facilitators guide. Women’s Policy Office, Newfoundland and Labrador.)

The basic question in gender-based analysis is:
Will a proposed initiative have a different effect on women and men?

Some Interesting Facts About...

The following ‘fact sheets’ are all in PDF format, just click on the link and download the file. Need more info on this file format?

Women and Business
Women and Volunteer Work
Unpaid Housework
Child Poverty
Women and Poverty

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