In 1995, the Government of Canada adopted a policy requiring the application of Gender-Based Analysis in the policy development and analysis process. All federal departments and agencies are now required to analyze their policies and legislation to take into account their differing impacts on women and men.

Gender-Based Analysis recognizes that the realities of women's and men's lives are different, and that equal opportunity does not necessarily mean equal results. The challenge for policy-makers is to ensure that the results of policies and legislation are anticipated, and that these results are as equitable as possible for all women and all men.

Status of Women Canada has produced Gender-Based Analysis: A guide for policy-making, which offers step-by-step techniques for integrating gender throughout the policy development and analysis process. The following is a quick guide to some of the key considerations involved in incorporating Gender-Based Analysis in that process.

Gender-Based Analysis:
KEY Considerations

As you develop and analyze policy, the following questions are among the gender-related considerations that should be kept in mind. Refer to Gender-Based Analysis: A guide for policy-making for more information.

1.    Identifying the Issue
In what ways are both women's and men's experiences reflected in the way issues are identified?
How is diversity taken into account?

2.    Defining desired/anticipated outcomes
What does the government want to achieve with this policy, and how does this objective fit into its stated commitments to social and economic equality?
Who will be affected? How will the effects of the policy be different for women and men, girls and boys?

3.    Gathering Information
What types of gender-specific data are available? Are gender-specific data available regarding other designated equity groups, (including Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minority groups)?
How is the input of women's organizations and other equality-seeking groups being pursued?

4.    Conducting Research
How will the research you consult or conduct address the differential experiences of gender and diversity?
If you are conducting primary research, how are gender considerations incorporated in research design and methodology?

5.    Developing and Analyzing Options
How will each option disadvantage some, or provide advantage for others? Does each option have differential effects on women's or men's social and/or economic situation?
How will innovative solutions be developed to address the gender/diversity issues you have identified?
What are the solutions that affected groups have suggested?

6.    Making Recommendations
In what ways is gender equality a significant element in weighting and recommending options?
How can the policy be implemented in an equitable manner?

7.    Communicating the Policy
How will communications strategies ensure that information is accessible to both women and men, and take into account the communications needs of diverse communities?
Has gender-aware language been used?

8.    Evaluating the Analysis
How will gender equality concerns be incorporated into the evaluation criteria? How can this be demonstrated?
What indicators will you use to measure the effects of the policy on women and men?

For a print copy of Gender-Based Analysis: A guide for policy-making, or Gender-Based Analysis: A Quick Guide for policy-makers, contact: