What is the APEC Guide for Gender Analysis?

The APEC Guide for Gender Analysis is a tool to assist in the implementation of the Framework for the Integration of Women in APEC and for mainstreaming "gender" into APEC directions and policy recommendations, project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and communication. It is meant to illustrate the kinds of questions or information that lead to gender mainstreaming and more effective policies and projects.

What is gender analysis?

Gender analysis is an important component of the APEC approach to the integration of women in the mainstream of APEC activities and processes. It is a methodology to:

• Identify and understand the differences in the lives of women and men, and the diversity among women themselves i.e. in their varied circumstances, responsibilities, social relationships and status within existing economic, social, cultural, environmental, institutional and political structures in any community or economy;
• Assess how policies, programs or projects may impact differently on women and men, girls and boys;
• Compare how and why women and men are affected through the collection and utilization of sex-disaggregated data, both qualitative and quantitative;
• Integrate gender considerations throughout the planning, design, implementation and evaluation processes.

How is gender analysis applied?

Gender analysis is integral to the process of formulating, implementing, and evaluating policies and projects. It complements and increases the rigour of the analytical process by ensuring that policies and projects take into account the specific circumstances of, and identify the differential impacts on women and men. It is not an additional layer of analysis or a task to be done after the fact.

At first glance, some policies or projects may appear to be gender-neutral, i.e. without gender implications. However, such implications may emerge as gender analysis is undertaken. The utilization of sex disaggregated data is essential to the process.

Who should use the APEC Guide on Gender Analysis?

The Guide for Gender Analysis is of interest to all those involved:

1. At the policy level of APEC, such as Chairs, Lead Shepherds, Senior Officials, Ministers and Leaders, and
2. At the project level, such as members of APEC Committees including the Budget and Management Committee (BMC), Working Groups, Project Overseers, the APEC Secretariat and other APEC fora.

APEC GUIDE FOR GENDER ANALYSIS

The Guide for Gender Analysis may be applied at the policy or project level. In both cases, the outcomes of the policies or projects can change gender relations and strengthen equal economic opportunities for and participation of both women and men in the future growth and prosperity of APEC economies.