Introduction
Engendering public administration and development refers to the deliberate process of incorporating gender perspectives into the policies, practices, and structures of governance and development. It is about recognizing the different needs, experiences, and roles of men, women, and other gender identities in public life. This process ensures that governance is inclusive, equitable, and effective for all sections of society.
What is Engendering?
Engendering means making gender a central aspect of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies and programs. It is not just about including women but also about analyzing how policies affect different genders differently and addressing gender-based inequalities through institutional changes.
Why Engender Public Administration?
- Promote Equality: Traditional public administration often ignores or marginalizes women’s roles. Engendering helps reduce gender discrimination and ensures equal opportunities.
- Improve Policy Outcomes: Gender-sensitive policies are more responsive to the needs of all citizens, leading to better outcomes in health, education, employment, etc.
- Empower Women: Increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes strengthens democracy and brings diverse perspectives.
- Meet International Commitments: Engendering is necessary to fulfill international obligations like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Gender in Development
Development programs that ignore gender issues can deepen existing inequalities. For instance, providing loans for agriculture without recognizing women’s role in farming may exclude them from benefits. Engendered development ensures that both men and women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and benefits.
Approaches to Engendering Public Administration
1. Gender Budgeting
This involves preparing budgets that reflect gender priorities. For example, allocating funds specifically for women’s health, education, and skill development.
2. Gender-Sensitive Policies
Drafting laws and policies that consider the specific needs of women and other marginalized genders. Example: Maternity benefit laws or schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
3. Women’s Representation
Ensuring women are represented in decision-making positions in government institutions. The 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions is a key example.
4. Capacity Building and Training
Training public officials to understand gender issues helps create a more responsive administration. Gender sensitization programs are being introduced across sectors.
5. Inclusive Data Collection
Collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data helps in designing targeted policies and tracking gender-specific outcomes.
Examples in the Indian Context
- Self Help Groups (SHGs): Women-led SHGs have empowered rural women economically and socially.
- Ujjwala Yojana: Provides free LPG connections to women in poor households, reducing health risks and improving living conditions.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan: Targets maternal and child nutrition with a gender-sensitive approach.
Challenges in Engendering Public Administration
- Patriarchal mindset and resistance to change
- Lack of gender-sensitive training for officials
- Inadequate gender-disaggregated data
- Underrepresentation of women in leadership roles
Conclusion
Engendering public administration and development is not just a moral obligation but a necessary step toward inclusive and sustainable governance. It ensures that every citizen, regardless of gender, benefits equally from public policies and development programs. Governments must integrate gender perspectives at all levels of planning and execution to create a just and equitable society.