Social science and gender analysis

Gender analysis is an essential element of socio-economic analysis. It refers to a group of methods used to understand the relationships between men and women, their access to resources, their activities, and the constraints they face relative to each other. It provides information that recognizes that gender, and its relationship with race, ethnicity, culture, class, age, disability, and/or other status, is critical for understanding the different ways that women and men interact in economic, social, and legal structures. Gender analysis occurs throughout the entire development process, from research, to problem definition, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. By examining basic assumptions each step of the way, the interrelationships between social context and economic factors can be understood and initiatives that respond to those needs can be designed. In the water sector, a gender approach requires understanding the gender-differentiated systems in demand management, a focus on the relationships between women and men and their differing uses of water, an understanding that gender is a factor that influences how people respond to change, both individually and collectively, and an understanding that there are gender dimensions at institutions of all levels (household, water-users associations, local and national governments).

Case Studies

After the storm, relief Tegucigalpa, Honduras | June 1, 2000 CH2M HILL has worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development to help rebuild Honduras' infrastructure following the devastation of Hurricane Mitch. Learn more

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