Figure 1: Continuum of Gender Approaches in Projects 4 Gender negative Gender neutral Gender aware Gender positive Gender transformative Gender inequalities are reinforced to achieve desired capacity outcome Gender is not considered relevant to capacity outcome Gender is a means to reach capacity goals set by professionals Gender is central to fully achieving positive capacity outcomes Gender is central to promoting gender equity and achieving positive capacity outcomes Uses gender norms, roles and stereotypes that reinforce gender inequalities Gender norms, roles or relations not affected (worsened or improved) Addressing gender roles, norms, and access to resources in so far as needed to reach project goals Changing gender roles, norms and access to resources a key component of achieving project goal Transforming unequal gender relations to promote shared power, control of resources, decision-making and support for women‘s empowerment In practice, gender mainstreaming means identifying gaps in gender equality through the use of gender-disaggregated data; developing strategies to close those gaps; putting resources and expertise into implementing strategies for gender equality; and monitoring implementation.5 An effective program of gender mainstreaming requires: • • • Explicit gender policies and implementation frameworks; Capacities for systematic gender analysis in planning and programming; and Tracking and accountability system with specific performance indicators and measures of progress. A number of practical mechanisms that would enable the APF to evolve a comprehensive, transparent and transformative gender mainstreaming program can be identified from peer best practice. If these best practice elements were implemented they would constitute model practice for the APF in delivering gender equality outcomes. These elements are: • Organisational gender objectives aligned with strategic goals (ILO, UNDP); 4 Adapted from Eckman, A. (2002) 5 UNDP Gender mainstreaming fact sheet