Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the opportunities and challenges of implementing
gender mainstreaming in four selected bureaus of Oromia. Document analysis and key
informant interviews with gender focal persons and experts were used to collect data. The
study showed that there was a huge gap between men and women in participating and
getting benefit from various development activities of the region before the
implementation of gender mainstreaming strategies in all sectors following the
formulation of the 1995 Women‟s policy of the region and other subsequent legislations,
programs and projects. Hence, various institutional and practical measures were taken to
mainstream gender in the studied sectors. Gender mainstreaming issues are incorporated
in the policies, organizational structure, various development programs and projects of
the four sectoral bureaus in order to ensure gender equality between men and women in
contributing and benefiting from development activities of the region. With the attempts
made so far, women‟s participation in and benefit from education, health and
economically gainful agricultural activities have been increasing from time to time. For
instance, the percentage of female student‟s educational participation and completion at
all school levels have shown dramatic improvement compared to the situation before
1995 Women‟s Policy formulation and other subsequent institutional and practical
measures taken. Similar changes have been brought in the health and agricultural sectors.
The study also identified the availability of various regional gender sensitive policies,
legislations, programs, stakeholders, improvement in societal perception on the issues of
gender equality and availability of natural resources in the region as the major
opportunities for gender mainstreaming. On the other hand, poverty, less number of
women on decision making positions and inadequate knowledge about gender
mainstreaming among implementers are identified as the major challenges.
