Open Coordinatie Methode
Open Coordination Method
Aims and objectives
The Open Coordination Method (OCM) is a method specifically designed to integrate transversal policy topics into all policy fields. As such it is a method to mainstream gender into all ministries. The basic principles of the open coordination method is that you define common goals for all ministries and specific goals for each ministry. Every ministry has the responsibility of obtaining both the common and the specific goals. OCM also relies on transparancy and exchange between ministries. The central unit in the OCM is an inter-ministerial committee that has members from each ministry as well as external experts and stakeholders. Together they do gender capacity building as well as setting goals and implementing them (with back up from the political level).
Results and impact
This method is now being used during its second legislative period and is succeeding in mainstreaming gender in all policy fields. It has resulted in some specific policy actions.
Creator/owner/responsible institution
Gelijke Kansen in Vlaanderen
Contact: gelijkekansen@vlaanderen.be
Contents/activities/services
The open Coordination method has 3 basic principles: 1) Common goals, 2) joined responsibility for common and specific goals, 3) transparency and exchange between the different ministries. The Equal Opportunities committee is the core unit in the Open Coordination method. They have been meeting now for 2 legislations. During the first legislations the aim was to built their capacity and expertise as well as set up framework and work routine. In the second legislature a lot more policy goals were set and implemented.
Additional information
Nuts code: BE2