Introduction
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is a method used in planning and policymaking to assess whether a project or policy provides more benefits than the costs involved. In the context of gender planning, CBA involves evaluating the economic, social, and human impacts of policies on different genders to ensure equity and effectiveness.
What is Gender Planning?
Gender planning is a strategy that takes into account the differences in roles and responsibilities of men and women while planning programs and policies. It aims to reduce gender disparities by ensuring that policies benefit everyone equally.
Principles of Cost-Benefit Analysis in Gender Planning
1. Inclusion of Gender-Specific Data
- Collect gender-disaggregated data to understand the different costs and benefits for men and women.
- Example: In a transport project, time saved by women in reaching markets or schools should be measured.
2. Valuing Unpaid Labour
- Women’s unpaid work in the household and community must be counted as part of costs or benefits.
- Example: Time saved from better cooking stoves reduces women’s workload and should be considered a benefit.
3. Equity and Social Justice
- Even if the economic benefit is low, if a project helps marginalized women or girls, it should be valued highly in social terms.
- Focus should not only be on profit but also on fairness.
4. Long-Term Impact Evaluation
- Gender CBA should look beyond immediate outcomes to long-term changes in gender roles and empowerment.
- Example: Education programs for girls may take years to show economic returns but have lasting benefits.
5. Participation and Voice
- Women and marginalized groups should be involved in identifying what counts as costs and benefits.
- This ensures that analysis is realistic and community-based.
6. Non-Monetary Benefits
- Improvements in safety, dignity, and participation of women should be counted even if they don’t have a market price.
Conclusion
Cost-Benefit Analysis in gender planning must go beyond financial aspects and include social, emotional, and time-based impacts on different genders. By applying these principles, planners can ensure that programs are equitable, sustainable, and truly beneficial to all members of society, especially women and marginalized groups.