Opportunities and Challenges of Gender Mainstreaming in Selected Sector Bureaus in Addis Ababa
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Date
2007-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The general objective of this study was to assess the current gender mainstreaming practices in
selected sector bureaus in Addis Ababa. It also aimed to examine the existing opportunities to
mainstream gender issues and to explore the challenges faced by the study sectors in the process of
gender mainstreaming practice. In order to meet these objectives, the study used qualitative research
methods to explore the current gender mainstreaming practices in the study sectors. Consequently,
purposive sampling was used to select the informants and discussants of the study.
The findings showed that women are highly under represented in the two sector bureaus
(BOFED & BOE) in higher level positions except in the case of Women’s Affairs Office. The
informants and discussants of the study who are currently working in the area of planning did not
have clear ideas on gender and gender mainstreaming concepts. Gender focal persons in the two
sector bureaus did not properly function their tasks due to the existence of unclear mandate and lack
of capacity to coordinate and implement gender mainstreaming practices in their respective sector
bureaus. The study sector bureaus did not fully employ and use different tools and techniques for
gender mainstreaming practices. Lack of commitment on the part of decision-making bodies and
lack of appropriate linkages between gender focal persons and Women’s Affairs Office were the
major challenges identified in the study. The findings also indicated that unless appropriate and
context specific programs and projects are designed at national level in general and at the City level
in Particular, the mere presence of policy and strategic documents do not make sense as far as the
issues of gender mainstreaming are concerned .Thus, in order to minimize the prevailing gender
gaps in the study sectors, the need to implement gender mainstreaming practice is second to none
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Social Work