Investing in women

Why should funders support women and girls?

• Research has found that mainstream programs generally under-serve women.
• A gender-neutral approach can result in women and children missing out.
• When gender is not considered, there is a risk that gender assumptions slip into programs.
• Inequitable programs are often less effective.
• Helping women has a flow-on effect, benefiting society as a whole.

What is equitable grantmaking?

Equitable grantmaking:

• does not favour women over men
• does not compromise funding based on merit
• acknowledges that men and women have different social positions, skills, opportunities and resources and face different challenges
• acknowledges that programs and policies can affect men and women in vastly different ways
• is about making the best use of dollars spent
• ultimately increases opportunities for long-term change for everyone, including women and girls.

How do we introduce a "gender lens" to our program?

• Ask yourself:
  • Is gender equality an existing priority within our organisation?
  • Does our funding purposely seek to enhance gender equality, and is this reflected in our mission, vision and strategy?
  • Which of our funded programs over the past two years best illustrates our organisation's awareness of gender?
  • How has gender awareness translated into project design, implementation and outcomes?
  • Can we think of any examples where increased gender awareness might have led to stronger outcomes from a past project?
• Find a cause. Consider a critical issue affecting women and girls, and seek to fund projects and programs to effect change in that area. Possibilities include access to education or healthcare for women and girls; women and girls who are homeless or living in poverty; domestic violence; human rights; women having a voice in the arts.
• Encourage grantseekers to apply a gender lens to all aspects of their projects.
• Review your application forms, application processes, decision-making structure, and monitoring and evaluation policies to address gender issues.
• Examine your gender balance: promote diversity within your organisation's leadership.

How do we improve our existing equity efforts?

• Critically appraise proposals:
  • Does the project reflect the needs of women and girls in all its main aspects?
  • Can women and girls enjoy real and effective involvement?
  • Are the needs of women and girls safeguarded in practical ways?
  • What are the expected outcomes for women and girls? Are they likely to be lasting, as opposed to short-lived?
  • Will the outcomes be communicated beyond the project to strengthen advocacy and policy development elsewhere?
  • Will the project outcomes be conveyed to others in the philanthropic sector?
• Speak with stakeholders about the importance of including women and girls in programs.
• Write women into design, targets and measurement:
  • Does the project have clear aims and targets for men and boys? For women and girls? For both?
  • Does the project consciously reflect and take account of any differences in the needs, interests and circumstances of men and women?
  • Are women and men represented satisfactorily on the project management and governance group?
  • Does the "culture" of the project encourage both men and women to voice their opinions?
  • How will you ensure accountability when reporting on outcomes and impacts?
  • What are the intended impacts and outcomes for the people involved? Do they differ for different groups?
• Consider how other social factors intersect with gender in relation to the programs you consider funding. These factors include age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and sexuality.

This advice is taken from a guide published by Australians Investing in Women: Gender-Wise Philanthropy: Strengthening Society by Investing in Women and Girls