Opportunities and challenges of implementing gender mainstreaming strtegy in development programs in four selected bureaus of oromia

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.