Gender analysis is critical to the policy development process and includes conducting research, interrogating data and considering the different ways a policy may impact people based on gender. It aims to improve gender equality by identifying and analysing the impacts and risks of policies, thoroughly considering options which can improve the policy’s impact on gender equality, and supporting the development of risk mitigation.
Why conduct gender analysis?
Gender analysis provides a foundation for ensuring policies address the needs of all people, so that policy making supports an equitable and inclusive society. It ensures transparency by giving decision makers information, supported by data and evidence, on who a policy impacts, how it impacts them and how these impacts affect gender equality.
Policies that are developed without consideration of gender, or which are considered ‘gender-neutral’ or ‘gender-blind’ policies, assume that gender is not a factor in how a particular issue affects people. However, existing inequality as well as gender norms and stereotypes can mean policy changes – which may appear gender neutral – can have disproportionate or different impacts on people because of their gender.
How a policy supports or hinders gender equality may not be immediately obvious in some policies. This Guide helps policy makers undertake gender analysis to uncover differing impacts and unintended consequences, including those that can inadvertently lead to discrimination and exacerbate inequality.
Gender analysis is required to support gender responsive budgeting (refer to How to use this guide) which is a key way the Government can make decisions that help close gender gaps and avoid worsening inequality.
Understanding the gendered impacts of policy can help achieve gender equality
A gender analysis can provide new perspectives on a policy problem and is a way to illuminate options or develop solutions that both meet the primary goals of the policy and help advance gender equality. It enables policy makers to have a more comprehensive understanding of how impacts may differ based on gender. This supports good policy development by allowing policy makers to propose options that improve gender equality, often leading to better overall outcomes for Australia. Good quality gender analysis can help make sure the Government’s policies and decisions work for the whole community – this is the ultimate aim of gender responsive budgeting.