gender audit

Assessment of the extent to which gender equality is effectively institutionalised in policies, programmes, organisational structures and proceedings (including decision-making processes), and in the corresponding budgets.

Additional notes and information

General

A gender audit considers, normally in a participatory manner, whether internal practices and related support systems for gender mainstreaming are effective and reinforce each other, and whether they are being followed. It establishes a baseline, identifies critical gaps and challenges, and recommends ways of addressing them, suggesting possible improvements and innovations. It also documents good practices towards the achievement of gender equality.

A gender audit enhances the collective capacity of the organisation to examine its activities from a gender perspective and identify strengths and weaknesses in promoting gender equality issues.

Sources

Council of Europe – Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs (2009). Gender Budgeting: Practical Implementation. Handbook prepared by Sheila Quinn.