Abstracts papers Taking Stock
The abstracts and authors of the five papers are presented below.
Titel: Using a multilevel analysis to review gender mainstreaming evaluation
Auteur: Conny Roggeband (Cultuur, Organisatie en Management, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Abstract:
This paper applies a political process approach to analyse the different available evaluations of mainstreaming efforts of governmental and non governmental agencies in development cooperation. Analysing the success and failures of mainstreaming practices and policies both at the level of structure (in terms of political/organizational opportunities, including discursive opportunities) and at the level of agency (in terms of mobilising networks and strategic framing), the paper examines three stages of the mainstreaming process: 1) construction, 2) implementation, and 3) monitoring of mainstreaming practices.
While available research often points to procedural problems and problems related to the institutional embedding of gender mainstreaming, the paper also assesses to what extent the strategy itself is problematic.
Titel: Gender mainstreaming in Dutch development cooperation : from paper to practice
Auteur: Anouka van Eerdewijk (Centre for International Development Issues Nijmegen, Radboud University Nijmegen)
Abstract:
This papers looks the experiences of development NGOs and the Ministry for Development Cooperation with respect to gender mainstreaming. It investigates what gender and gender mainstreaming policies have been designed and implemented in recent years. The paper is especially focused on the implementation phase, and considers in what ways policies have been successful or not, and what factors contribute both to success and shortcomings.
The paper departs from the understanding of gender mainstreaming as a two track strategy, encompassing both integration of gender into other policy areas as well as stand alone track on the promotion of gender equality and women's empowerment. In its analysis, it will address the way women, gender, equality and empowerment are being conceptualized. As such, it unravels the paradox between the general acknowledgement of the importance of gender on the one hand, and the lack of implementation and resistance to gender at the other hand. The analysis includes policy papers and evaluation reports, as well as interviews with both gender expert and their colleagues without specific gender expertise.
Titel: Mapping gender and development studies in Dutch academia
Auteur: Linda Mans (freelance Manskracht)
Abstract:
Addressing gender and development issues in education and research is acknowledged as an effective strategy for promoting women's empowerment and gender equality. However, these issues seem to be less visible at the Dutch universities nowadays.
This paper seeks to map how gender and development studies currently are represented in all Dutch departments of development studies and anthropology: what topics are educated on, and what studies are carried out. Another purpose is to find out what factors influence the mainstreaming of gender into these academic institutions and research.
A quick-scan will be used to screen study guides (2008-2009) of development studies and anthropology on the state of the art of gender and development issues in education. To get an understanding of the recent institutional trends with regard to teaching and doing research on gender and development we will interview the related coordinators and heads of departments. We will compare their experiences and opinions with the growing body of knowledge on implementing a gender perspective into academic institutions.
Titel: Gender mainstreaming : theoretical review and reflection
Auteur: Tine Davids, Francien van Driel en Franny Parren (Centre for International Development Issues Nijmegen , Radboud University Nijmegen)
Abstract:
This article seeks to review the tensions and dilemmas in feminist theory and practice
concerning the mainstreaming of gender within development. In particular it aims to study the causes behind the gap between theory and gender mainstreaming practice as formulated by academics within the relevant literature. It does so by revisiting how gender mainstreaming as theory conceives of and relates to gender inequality as a societal phenomenon.
Besides tacking stock of the different debates within this field, the article will address the possible need for a re-conceptualization of gender and gender mainstreaming in order to be successful in this time of globalization.
Titel: Gender in the Paris Declaration and Accra Agenda for Action
Auteur: Nathalie Holvoet & Liesbeth Inberg (Institute of Development Policy and Management - IOB, University of Antwerp)
Abstract:
With the aim to promote aid effectiveness, changes in aid policies and instruments have been propagated over the last decade. The Paris Declaration (PD) and Accra Agenda for Action (AAA) set out a reform agenda of ownership, harmonisation, alignment, results-orientation and mutual accountability. This article studies the ongoing processes through a gender lens. It highlights the opportunities and challenges for gender mainstreaming and ultimately gender equality of the different PD/AAA key principles. It assesses the extent to which these have materialised on the ground and seeks to explain the actual outcomes. Besides an international focus, we take stock and analyse how the Dutch development cooperation actors are handling gender issues in the realm of the ongoing changes in aid policies and instruments. Finally, we advance a number of suggestions to move forward.
