How can we apply a gender lens to determine data needs, articulate study questions, design and implement studies, visualize data, encourage data use, and assess and strengthen local capacity? 

The resources on our updated Integrate Gender page and videos on the Integrate Gender YouTube Playlist offer insights into using a gender lens to ensure that the needs, realities, and participation of women and men, boys and girls, and gender non-conforming or LGBTQIA+ persons are considered by all parties involved. 

To strengthen the measurement of reproductive empowerment among women in sub-Saharan Africa, D4I developed and validated a multidimensional scale that can be incorporated into survey instruments. The Reproductive Empowerment Scale consists of five short subscales that measure women’s: (1) communication with healthcare providers, (2) communication with partners, (3) reproductive health (RH) decision making, (4) social support for RH, and (5) social norms related to women’s RH and fertility. Read this brief in English or French or watch this webinar to find out more. 

Looking for guidance on integrating gender in monitoring, evaluation, and research? D4I's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Integrating Gender includes definitions of key terms, details on why gender must be integrated into activities, guidance on language use, example scenarios, and prompts to aid researchers in considering gender integration at every stage of the process. 

Did you know that you can find a comprehensive listing of the most widely used indicators for evaluating FP/RH programs in low- and middle-income country contexts all in one place? Check out the FP and RH Indicators Database!   

In the database, you can explore the technical area on gender. All indicators for this area include definitions, data requirements, data source(s), purpose, issues, and—if relevant—gender implications. The gender indicators in this database include the following technical areas: 

Interested in learning what gender M&E is and why it’s important to health and gender programming? This eLearning course was developed for program managers working on gender-focused programs, gender advisors, and individuals working in gender affairs, ministries of gender, or other government departments focusing on gender who seek to strengthen their understanding of M&E. It is also applicable to M&E officers who seek to integrate a gender perspective into their M&E efforts. 

How can FP providers ensure that their clients reach their RH goals despite barriers they may face because of their gender? The Gender Competency Self-Assessment Tool for Family Planning Providers provides a method for measuring the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of individual providers in six domains of gender competency. By completing this self-assessment, providers can determine their current level of gender competency, and thereby identify areas of strength and weakness in each domain. Explore the tool, read this blog, and watch the webinars below for more information. 

For more gender integration resources, explore the publications, webinars, tools, courses, videos, and toolkits in this FPinsight collection. 

Harvesting groundnuts in Zimbabwe. © 2013 David Brazier/International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Photo Courtesy of John McConnico/United Nations Development Program (UNDP)