Looking Through the Gender Lens... 5 Steps to Building Local Government Competencies and Capacities to Promote Gender Equality

September 2006

AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM

NOTE TO READER: This draft document has been developed in collaboration with implementing partners in the African Local Governance Program. Approximately 150 people from Canada and 12 countries in Africa (Mali, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Benin, Malawi, Uganda, Namibia, Ghana, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Botswana) helped to build the document in a series of four workshops held in ALGP countries in 2005/2006. The guide is a tool for Local Government Authorities (LGA) to consider the competencies and capacities necessary to conduct gender analysis and promote gender equality in all areas of LGA responsibility. LGA support for gender equality will increase the opportunity for all citizens, women and men, to attain a better quality of life. The guide will be piloted it in selected LGAs in partner countries of the African Local Governance Program (ALGP), including Mali, Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania, in 2006/2007. ALGP implementing partners include national associations of local authorities/ municipalities in Canada and four countries in Africa, as well as two regional technical assistance organizations and the continental body representing local authorities in Africa. These include: ALAT – the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania AMM – the Association of Municipalities of Mali ANAM – the National Association of Municipalities of Mozambique FCM – Federation of Canadian Municipalities NALAG – National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana MDP – Municipal Development Partnership (East and Southern Africa) PDM – Partenariat pour le développement municipal (West and Central Africa) UCLGA-United Cities and Local Governments – Africa (formerly CCRA)

September 2006 ISBN: 1-897150-03-2-E FCM Publication: 1051 E Photos on cover and pages 3,5 and 7 courtesy of FCM. Photo page 4: Chuck Russell. The African Local Governance Program (ALGP) is a program to support the decentralization process in Africa. The ALGP gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Fund for Africa of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for its programs and publications. © Federation of Municipalities International Centre for Municipal Development 24 Clarence Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 5P3 www.fcm.ca [email protected]

Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 2 Why Use This Guide .................................................................................................................... 3 Who Should Use This Guide ........................................................................................................ 3 Before You Begin: Key Gender Issues That LGAs Should Consider .............................................. 3 Some Useful Definitions .............................................................................................................. 4 How To Do the Assessment ........................................................................................................ 5 Stage 1: LGA Acquires Knowledge to Address Gender Issues ...................................................... 7 Stage 2: LGA Builds Support for Gender Equality ...................................................................... 11 Stage 3: LGA Implements Gender Policy, Planning and Services and Allocates Resources to Achieve Gender Equality .......................................................... 15 Stage 4: LGA Promotes Gender Equality Beyond the LGA ........................................................ 17 Stage 5: LGA Achieves Gender Equality .................................................................................... 20

1

Introduction Have you ever wondered how well your local government is doing in terms of promoting equality between women and men in its policies, programs and services, employment opportunities and other areas? Municipal governments around the world hear the term “gender equality” but do not know how to begin to assess their own capacity to promote equality between women and men. This guide was designed by local government stakeholders to provide a practical tool to assess where your municipality currently stands and to suggest steps that Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and stakeholders can take to promote gender equality in LGA operations and interactions in collaboration with citizens. The tool is designed to be used on an ongoing basis to assess the LGA’s capacity and competency in planning and implementing gender sensitive policy, programs and services. It assesses the LGA in terms of its:

Knowledge of: • • •

•

• •

•

Commitment to:

•

•

Play a leadership role Engage in dialogue Work with community stakeholders and champions (community members, community-based organizations and local businesses) Undertake competent analysis, make policy and develop strategies

Build LGA capacity and public awareness Manage the change process Communicate messages about the benefits of gender equality.

The tool enables LGAs to measure their competencies in 5 stages that lead to gender equality in the LGA:

and

• • •

2

Legal frameworks governing women’s, men’s and children’s human rights Relevant government policies National and local organizations and government agencies with expertise in gender analysis and women’s rights The role of cultural values and attitudes.

•

•

•

•

Acquiring knowledge to address gender issues Building support for gender equality within the LGA and the broader community Implementing gender-sensitive policies, programs and services, and allocating resources to the tasks Promoting gender equality beyond the LGA, with citizens, organizations and businesses Achieving Gender Equality.

• • • •

Appointees to LGA Bodies and Committees Senior Management Staff and Employees Community Stakeholders—individuals, organizations and businesses

Before You Begin: Key Gender Issues that LGAs Should Consider Using a gender equality lens to examine the different needs, perspectives and experiences of women and men and among different categories of women (and men) can help to identify practical steps to address inequalities. Outlined below are some key gender issues that LGAs should keep in mind.

Why Use this Guide? •

•

•

•

To improve the ability of the LGA to meet the needs of all men, women, children and youth living in the community. To identify the steps the LGA has already taken to address gender issues and monitor progress. To identify the actions necessary to ensure that the LGA better meets the needs of all stakeholders. To identify ways in which citizens and stakeholders can work with and support the LGA in promoting gender equality, and hold it accountable for its progress.

Who Should Use the Guide? Any group can use this guide to assess an LGA’s competencies and capacities in promoting gender equality. It could be used by a group of elected officials or a group of municipal administrators or a group of citizens. But ideally, the guide is meant to be applied by a mixed group of the above who are committed to leading a change process to make improvements in the community, including: •

Elected Officials

Family Responsibilities In most communities, women have primary responsibility for caring for the household (water, fuel, food) and family members – children and vulnerable adults, including the sick and the elderly. As gender roles change, some men have taken on greater responsibility in the household.However, in the face of the HIV/AIDS pandemic many responsibilities have also shifted to grandmothers and children. It is important for LGAs to understand who is responsible for family care in order to ensure that LGA programs and services meet their needs.

Community Work In addition to family responsibilities, women and men are also involved in volunteer work in their communities. Although both work in the family and the community is unpaid, it requires a good deal of time and energy. It is important for LGAs to take these time commitments into consideration when planning LGA meetings to seek community input. Women may not be available to attend meetings during certain times of the day, or may require assistance with childcare or family care in order to attend and participate.

3

Importance of LGA Services Women and men may rely on LGA services to meet the needs of their families. For this reason, it is important to address barriers that individuals or certain groups may experience in trying to access services. These may include disability, age, lack of physical or social mobility, poverty and illiteracy.

Limited Participation in Decision Making Though gains have been made, women are still less likely to hold key management positions and be elected to LGAs. When women, male and female youth, disabled women and men and the elderly do not see themselves represented among decision makers, they question whether their views are being taken into account.

Poverty Poor women, men and children have less access to resources and, possibly, reduced access to LGA services. In addition, they are less able to pay for services. LGAs should recognize the particular needs of poor members of their communitiy (women and men) and work to meet those needs.

Mobility As women undertake family responsibilities, community work and work to earn income, their day is very full. Women are more likely to walk or travel on public transit with children or an elderly, disabled or ill family member.

Experience & Perspectives Not Heard LGAs should make a concerted effort to consider which voices are not being heard in policy making, planning, program development and service delivery in order to ensure that they understand the perspectives and needs of all citizens. Special efforts may need to be made to reach and listen to: • • • • • •

Safety Violence against women and the fear of it, play a significant role in limiting women’s choices and expectations in their homes, workplaces and communities. Women are more likely than men to be the victims of violence from a relative or acquaintance. LGAs must address issues of safety for women and girls in the community (policing, lighting, safe streets, transportation, etc.) and in their homes (e.g. education, health care and crisis services for abused women, counselling for women and male perpetrators, etc.).

Discrimination Women and girls may experience unfair treatment in the form of discrimination, service provision, sexual harassment, or hiring practices.

4

• •

women, especially those with heavy family responsibilities poor women and men (and children) women and men (people) living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) women and men who are illiterate or less educated male and female youth children, especially children with family responsibilities disabled women and men elderly women and men, especially those living alone.

Some Useful Definitions GENDER: A term used to describe differences between women and men that are the result of socialization processes (as distinct from biological differences) in different societies and cultures. Gender relations, that is, relations between men and in women in a particular society, evolve as a result of many factors including economic, social political and legal developments, external influences, environmental factors, etc. Gender relations change over time. Think about the difference you can observe between your grandparents‘ lives, your parents’ lives and the present day.

The results and findings of a gender analysis cannot be widely generalized because it is always based on the particular social, economic and cultural context. A good gender analysis will ensure that the programs and policies developed and implemented by the LGA meet the diverse needs of all members of society. GENDER EQUALITY: Gender equality means that women and men have equal conditions for realizing their full human rights and potential to contribute to political, economic, social and cultural development and to benefit from the results. Gender equality can be achieved by: •

• Gender is generally considered to be an important organizing principle in society. Others include: class, education, ethnicity, religion, age, location (rural/urban), etc. When analyzing gender issues and relations it is important to look at behaviours (which can be observed) as well as the underlying gender values and attitudes that influence those behaviours. GENDER ANALYSIS: Gender Analysis is the process of examining, in a systematic manner appropriate to the issue or context, the different perspectives, needs and priorities of different groups of men and women (e.g. male and female youth; boys and girls; older men and women; disabled men and women, etc.). It also examines relations, including power relations, between men and women.

ensuring that women participate equally with men as decision-makers in shaping the sustainable development of their communities and societies; and reducing gender inequalities in access to and control over the resources and benefits of development.

MAINSTREAMING: In adopting the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, governments made a commitment to “mainstream” or integrate gender perspectives into policy and planning processes and all programs. The Platform for Action states that: “…governments and other actors should promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming a gender perspective in all policies and programs so that, before decisions are taken, an analysis is made of the effects on women and men, respectively.”

Gender analysis generally looks at: •

• •

•

Who does what? Who does the paid and unpaid work in the household and the community? Who gets what? Who benefits and has access to resources? Who decides? Who participates in decision-making? Whose voice is heard and given weight? Who has rights? (The right to housing, employment, house and land ownership, government services like water, sanitation, health care, to vote, to make decisions, to live without violence, etc.)

5

How to Do the Assessment What do we need to do to ensure the assessment is done properly? The purpose of the assessment is to begin a dialogue about how best to take concrete steps to promote gender equality in the LGA. Once the dialogue has begun, the process should continue. Ongoing meetings and discussions should be held.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY

A MIXED GROUP

STEP 4: INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT

OF

LGA

Each participant should read and complete the assessment thoughtfully a day or two before the group discussion. Based on their own experience with or knowledge of the LGA, participants should rate the LGA on each point, keeping in in mind that: A BASIC rating indicates that the LGA has some awareness of gender issues and recognizes the need to take action.

TO PARTICIPATE

First, identify and gain commitment from a mixed group of municipal officials, staff and community stakeholders to participate in the assessment process.

STEP 2: SELECT RAPPORTEURS

A

FACILITATOR

AND

Select a facilitator, whose role is to guide the group through the steps within the time available and help whoever is designated to prepare a summary report/action plan following the assessment. Ideally, the facilitator is a neutral party who does not form part of the group of participants doing the assessment.

A FULLY PERFORMING rating indicates that the LGA has a strong commitment and has made significant progress in implementing policies and strategies, taking action to promote gender equality and monitoring and reporting on progress achieved.

One or two people should be selected to develop a summary record that can be shared with a wider audience.

Participants should note their rating and, where appropriate, the rationale for selecting that rating. Participants should also note areas where they do not have enough information to make an informed assessment.

STEP 3: DISTRIBUTE

HARD COPIES

OF THE GUIDE TO PARTICIPANTS

The facilitator should distribute the guide to participants at least a few days in advance of the group discussion.

6

A DEVELOPING rating indicates that the LGA has recognized the need for action and begun to take specific and practical steps. It is in the process of acquiring information, conducting analysis, seeking input, or drafting policies, program and services strategies.

STEP 5: GROUP ANALYSIS After the individual ratings have been completed, the group should meet and discuss each point.

ISSUES TO CONSIDER IN FORMULATING NEXT STEPS: • •

The role of the facilitator is to assist the group in completing the assessment by soliciting views and examples from participants and then seeking consensus on each competency in Stages 1 though 5 of the guide.

•

•

What are the key priorities for action? Why? What actions would be best taken by individual citizens? groups? LGA staff? elected officials? Who, in the community, will have credibility and influence on gender equality issues? What actions would best be taken in conjunction with others? With whom can you best build alliances? Who (which groups or individuals) should be included? What resistance are you likely to encounter? How can it be addressed most effectively and productively?

It should be noted that it is not necessary for an LGA to become “Fully Performing” in one area before taking action in other areas. Some actions, like acquiring expertise and identifying resources, may take place at the same time.

•

The designated rapporteurs should take notes of the discussion and note areas of broad agreement or disagreement.

The most important next step is to continue the dialogue and develop action plans on how best to build competencies and capacities to promote gender equality.

STEP 6: POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS

•

Depending on who has participated in the assessment (e.g. elected officials, LGA management/staff, community organizations, individuals, businesses), the following actions may be taken as next steps in the process: •

• • • • •

Meeting with like-minded individuals and groups to develop a strategy for raising issues with the LGA Private meeting with one or more elected representatives Raising the issues at a council or committee meeting Request for a meeting with elected officials or LGA senior management Public meeting to discuss issues Education and information sessions.

7

Stage 1 LGA Acquires Knowledge to Address Gender Issues

BASIC

DEVELOPING

FULLY PERFORMING

A. Legal Frameworks Related to Gender Equality LGA is aware of international conventions to which national government is a signatory (e.g. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights of the Child). Over 183 countries have ratified CEDAW as of March 2006. See: http://www.uniorg/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/states.htm to determine whether your country is a signatory. LGA is aware of the Conventions but not aware of their content or if the national government is a signatory. LGA has some knowledge of the content of Conventions and their implications for the LGA. LGA is fully aware of the implications of the Conventions in relation to LGA areas of responsibility. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA abides by relevant national and sub-national legislation (e.g. non-discrimination in employment, housing; equal pay; maternity/paternity leave; harassment; etc.). LGA is aware that laws exist but is not aware of their content or implications for the LGA. LGA has some knowledge of the legislation and implications for the LGA. LGA is fully aware of the implications of the legislation for LGA and takes action to harmonize LGA laws. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ 8

LGA has knowledge of national policies and strategies that address gender issues and LGA responsibilities related to them (Gender Plan of Action; Water; Housing; HIV/AIDs; etc.). LGA is aware that national policies exist but is not aware of details. LGA has some knowledge of the content of national policies and their implications for the LGA. LGA is fully aware of national gender-related policies for the LGA and takes action to harmonize LGA policies. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

B. Expertise and Issues LGA has knowledge of gender analysis: concepts, tools and techniques. LGA has some awareness of gender analysis. LGA has gained exposure to gender analysis training, concepts, and tools. LGA has good knowledge of gender analysis, concepts, tools and their applications in the LGA. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

9

LGA has knowledge of experiences and best practices of other LGAs with respect to addressing gender issues. LGA has some awareness of experiences and best practices in other LGAs. LGA has knowledge of and access to other experiences and best practices. LGA recognizes the relevance of other LGAs’ best practices and takes action to replicate or adapt them as appropriate. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA has knowledge of cultural values, attitudes and practices that support or challenge the acceptance of gender equality. LGA has some awareness of the role of cultural beliefs, attitudes and practices that support or challenge gender equality. LGA has good knowledge of the role of cultural influences, attitudes and practices that support or challenge gender equality. LGA is fully aware of the above and takes actions to support values that reinforce gender equality and address challenges. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

10

C. Resources LGA is aware of national NGOs, organizations with expertise in gender equality issues (e.g. Women’s Ministry, Women’s Bureau, Community-based organizations, especially women’s organizations, national association of LGA, other LGAs etc.). LGA is aware of organizations with expertise and resources. LGA has good knowledge of organizations, their work and areas of expertise, and has contacts in these organizations. LGA develops working relations with organizations and is able to access their resources & support. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA is aware of international organizations with expertise in gender equality issues (e.g. UNIFEM, United Cities and Local Government, international NGOs, other national associations of LGAs, etc.) LGA is aware of international organizations with expertise. LGA has good knowledge of organizations, their work and areas of expertise, and has contacts in these organizations. LGA develops working relations with relevant organizations and is able to access their resources & support. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

11

Stage 2 LGA Builds Support for Gender Equality

BASIC

DEVELOPING

FULLY PERFORMING

LGA accepts a leadership role in addressing gender issues in the LGA. LGA is aware that LGA should play a role. LGA has knowledge of the role that LGA can play and begins to take steps. Staff and elected officials show leadership by taking action on gender issues in the LGA and with the community/public on an on-going basis. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA Policy on Gender Equality. LGA makes a commitment to develop a Gender Policy. Committee or staff drafts Gender Policy for discussion and input. It is recommended that the committee be comprised of a mixed group of staff, elected officials and a diverse representation of community members. LGA approves Gender Policy and allocates resources for its implementation. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

12

LGA conducts gender-based research and analysis and collects sex-disaggregated data to support LGA decision-making. LGA recognizes the importance of conducting gender-based research and analysis in the community and the need to collect sex-disaggregated data. LGA establishes data collection and analysis systems and trains staff in gender analysis. LGA collects sex-disaggregated data, conducts gender analysis and uses the data and insights to make policy and service delivery decisions accordingly. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA respects and solicits the views of those who have experienced discrimination or lack of opportunity on the basis of gender. LGA is aware of gender discrimination and key issues. LGA has a good understanding of the underlying causes of gender discrimination and how it is manifested. The LGA actively seeks to hear these perspectives, document cases and rectify the causes. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA puts gender issues on the LGA agenda for public discussion. LGA raises gender issues for discussion. LGA supports forums for public discussion of gender issues as they relate to LGA responsibilities. LGA holds public forums for discussion and seeks input and recommendations for action. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

13

LGA raises awareness and supports gender-related capacity development of elected officials, LGA staff, and LGA appointees. LGA raises issues for discussion. LGA undertakes a needs assessment on key gender issues relevant to the LGA and identifies resources and expertise available to support capacity development of LGA staff, elected officials, and LGA appointees. LGA allocates financial resources and implements training, communication & education. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA recruits key gender equality champions from stakeholder groups (CBOs, especially women’s organizations, businesses, other levels of government, professionals, youth, PLWHA, etc.) as well as from LGA. LGA discusses and supports the idea of identifying key opinion leaders to promote gender equality in the LGA and in the community. LGA identifies champions among diverse groups (men, women, youth, disabled, elderly) and identifies their role in the LGA strategy (see Step #3); recruits champions. LGA utilizes gender champions to assist LGA to implement elements of the gender strategy (see Step #3). _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA ensures that adequate human and financial resources are allocated to programs and services that meet the needs of all citizens (i.e. special needs groups including women, children, PLWHA, persons living with disabilities and the elderly). LGA is aware of the need to allocate human and financial resources to support programs and services that meet the needs of all citizens. LGA initiates programs and services to address unmet needs. LGA budgets and approves adequate human and financial resources to support gender sensitive programs and services that meet all citizens’ needs. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ 14

Stage 3 LGA Implements Gender Policy, Planning and Services and Allocates Resources to Achieve Gender Equality

BASIC

DEVELOPING

FULLY PERFORMING

A. Gender Strategy: Policy, Planning, Implementation LGA adopts a comprehensive strategy to implement Gender Policy in all areas of LGA responsibility (e.g. budgeting, legal framework, staffing/human resources, management, program development, service delivery, consultation, communication). LGA is aware of the need for a strategy to implement Gender Policy. Committee or staff members develop the Gender Strategy in their areas of responsibility. LGA approves the Gender Strategy and the LGA implements the strategy. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA allocates resources to meet the needs of men, women, youth, PLWHA, elderly, poor and disabled. LGA is aware of need for human and financial resources to support gender-based planning and budgeting. LGA budgets some human and financial resources to gender-based planning. LGA approves human and financial resources for gender-based planning. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

15

LGA human resources (HR) department adopts gender equality policy and practice relating to staffing, hiring, promotions, sick leave, harassment, benefits, pensions, etc. LGA is aware of the need for gender/family friendly policies and conducts assessment of HR policies and staffing. LGA approves recommendations for actions on staffing and HR policies. LGA implements actions to ensure gender balance in staffing including at senior levels, and gender-sensitive HR policies. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA has gender balance in LGA committees and bodies. LGA assesses the proportion of men/women on existing committees and bodies. LGA agrees to rectify any imbalances. LGA takes action to ensure gender balance in committees and bodies. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA uses a language of business that is inclusive and gender neutral. LGA is aware of the need to review language and include references to women and men. LGA takes action to review language in all areas of activity. Language in LGA documents, laws and face-to-face-interactions is gender sensitive and inclusive of men and women. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

16

B. LGA Programs and Services Meet the Needs of All Citizens LGA ensures that all public participation related to planning and service delivery is inclusive and recognizes the diversity of opinions, perspectives and needs of men, women, youth, PLWHA, elderly, poor, and the disabled. LGA critically assesses current approach to citizen involvement and participation to determine who participates and who does not. LGA develops a public participation strategy to encourage involvment of diverse groups, and identifies constraints and limitations to participation by women, youth, elderly, PLWA, etc. Public participation strategy seeks input of all citizens and addresses special needs concerning time and location of meetings, issues of safety and mobility. All views are respected and considered in decision-making. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA designs planning processes and delivers programs and services in a gender sensitive manner. LGA is aware of need to assess LGA planning and service delivery to ensure the needs of all citizens are met. LGA conducts an assessment of programs and services with the needs of special groups in mind (e.g. women, age, mobility, literacy, etc.). LGA implements strategies, including ensuring that staff are trained adequately in gender issues, to deliver programs and services in a gender-sensitive manner that meet the needs of all citizens. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

17

Stage 4 LGA Promotes Gender Equality Beyond the LGA

BASIC

DEVELOPING

FULLY PERFORMING

LGA supports community stakeholders (community members, communitybased organizations and businesses) in promoting gender equality. LGA is aware of the need to support all community stakeholders in promoting gender equality. LGA seeks input from community stakeholders on how best to support gender equality. LGA publicly recognizes community stakeholders making a positive contribution to gender equality (e.g. civic award or other appropriate way). _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA facilitates dialogue and information sharing on gender equality between LGA and community stakeholders. LGA is aware of the need for dialogue and discussion on gender equality. LGA takes action to seek input on most appropriate ways to promote communication. LGA establishes mechanisms or body for ongoing dialogue (e.g. advisory group, meetings, newsletters, articles in media). _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

18

LGA communicates with citizens about gender equality issues. LGA is aware of the need to communicate LGA actions in undertaking gender analysis and promoting gender equality. Committee or staff develops strategy to communicate with diverse groups and individuals. LGA undertakes community participation, feedback and communications campaign on gender equality. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA addresses resistance to LGA involvement in promoting gender equality in a positive manner. LGA is aware that not all citizens stakeholders understand or are supportive of gender equality. LGA recognizes that it can take a leadership role in discussing gender issues openly and addressing concerns. LGA facilitates dialogue among LGA stakeholders (citizens, community-based organizations, businesses) to find common ground and local solutions. LGA promotes gender equality as a key element of the national agenda. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

19

Stage 5 LGA Achieves Gender Equality

BASIC

DEVELOPING

FULLY PERFORMING

LGA elected officials and staff behave in a respectful and gender-aware manner (i.e. in council meetings; in dealing with LGA staff; in interactions with citizens). Elected officials and staff are aware of the need for an LGA Code of Conduct on gender. Committee develops the LGA Code of Conduct. LGA approves the Code of Conduct, which includes accountability mechanisms and clear consequences for those who do not adhere to it. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA monitors and reports progress on achieving gender equality using indicators developed jointly by elected officials, staff and citizens (women and men). LGA is aware of the need for monitoring and reporting on gender equality to the public. LGA establishes monitoring and reporting process and schedule; responsibilities are clearly defined and staff are trained. LGA’s monitoring process functions well. An annual progress report that measures progress on achieving gender equality goals, objectives and results is produced and distributed widely to the public. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

20

LGA consults with community stakeholders on annual progress report on gender equality in the LGA. LGA is aware of the need to report to the public on its progress in achieving gender equality goals, objectives and results. LGA takes action to report on gender equality results achieved and progress made, and seeks participation of diverse groups from the community. Gender progress report is publicly discussed and input of citizens is taken into account. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

LGA takes remedial actions to improve gender equality in the LGA, based on public participation and input. LGA is aware of the need to take action based on annual report and citizen participation. LGA creates mechanisms for incorporating changes based on findings of report and citizen participation. LGA makes improvements to gender strategy and the implementation of gender-based policy, planning, program and service delivery. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

21