Bringing Gender Analysis to Life demonstrates how EnCompass integrates four key characteristics of evaluation best practice in gender analyses:

• Participatory approaches – thinking carefully and critically about who needs to be part of the process so the information is meaningful and relevant for all
• Appreciative Inquiry – seeking the spaces of equity that may already exist to support a transformation of unequal gender norms and dynamics
• Systems thinking – looking at intersectionality, or how gender structures, norms, and policies interact with other economic, political, and social systems
• Utilization – keeping the end users in mind from the start and directly engaging them in the gender analysis throughout the process

Even though our gender analyses vary by scope, location, team composition, and other variables, we weave these four essential elements through our process. In doing so, we uncover opportunities for innovation that enable meaningful integration of a gender focus—with benefits for programs of all sizes and people of all gender identities.

Our four-part model for gender analysis comes to life in this resource through two real-world examples. The first is a gender analysis that supported a monitoring and evaluation activity in Lebanon. The second has supported gender-transformative strategic planning and programming in Ethiopia’s health system. The content also draws from EnCompass’ years of experience in evaluation and gender analysis for a host of donors, foundations, and U.S. government clients.

Finally, this resource is part of a growing collection of briefs and white papers on EnCompass’ values and good practices. Check out the other resources in our collection:

• Utilization-Focused Evaluation Recommendations
• The Virtues of Virtual MEL
• An Evaluator’s Guide to COVID-19
• Mapping Outcomes: Embedding evaluation in the life of an organization

All are free to download. We just ask that if you use the information or guidance, that you let us know when and how—and that you give us credit.

Image by Crystal Cason/Julie Harris, EnCompass LLC.