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Gender Impact Assessment

Seminar Report prepared by Sue Yeandle & Chris Booth, CRESR, Sheffield Hallam University

Introduction > Seminar Report > Tools & Techniques > Applying Ideas > Ideas For Action

Gender Equality Today

The UK now has a wide range of equality legislation. However, if everyone within an organisation is to make fairness and equality a routine part of their working practice, legal measures are not enough. Positive action and mainstreaming are also needed.

Some key facts:

Nearly half of women have disposable individual income of less than £100 per week.
15% of girls aged 11-15 smoke regularly, compared with 11% of boys.
Since 1983, indecent assaults on women have almost doubled.
In 1998 the EOC took calls from 900 women who lost their jobs because of pregnancy.
Among people aged 30-39, 16% of women's journeys, but only 3% of men's, involve taking children to school

Recent changes in UK and European law, and devolution of government in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, have brought a more inclusive approach to equalities. This puts genuine equality of opportunity firmly on to the current policy agenda. The European Union (EU) has been important in raising the profile of gender equality. The EU now has a solid body of legal provisions, which give women and men equal access to employment, training, working conditions and social protection.

Important UK legislation

Equal Pay Act 1970
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Race Relations Act 1976
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Human Rights Act 1998
Race Relations Amendment Act 2000

Gender Mainstreaming

Since 1996, the EU has stressed that equality of opportunity between women and men must be incorporated into all policies. This approach draws on law, positive action, and valuing difference and diversity. The UK is committed to promoting equality between women and men through the Treaty of Amsterdam (1998), which also addresses discrimination related to race, age, disability, belief, or sexual orientation.

Gender Impact Assessment

Local government activities affect the quality of women's and men's lives. Yet 'gender blind' approaches can produce un- equal gender benefits. Policy makers need gender expertise to link their own work with gender issues. Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) can raise awareness and develop this expertise. GIA techniques can identify key beneficiaries, assess distributional impacts and monitor progress towards effective implementation.

Seminars held in Thurrock & Basildon during 2002 explored how policy affects women and men, and how gender auditing and impact assessment can make a difference to policy outcomes.

Introduction > Seminar Report > Tools & Techniques > Applying Ideas > Ideas For Action