Step 4: Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the recommendations
As a follow-up action, you should monitor the implementation of the gender-specific recommendations over time. This includes assessing the impact of the recommendations on the specific negative gender impacts that were previously identified and making any necessary adjustments to the intervention design and implementation process. This process can also help you identify areas where additional action is needed.
Questions to consider when monitoring and evaluating the implementation of recommendations
- How were the recommendations implemented? How is the implementation being monitored?
- What data have been collected to assess the impact of the recommendations on the specific negative gender impacts that were previously identified?
- Were the gender-specific recommendations effective in addressing the negative gender impacts?
- What further actions are needed to address and redress any remaining negative gender impacts?
- How can stakeholders be involved in the implementation of the gender-responsive recommendations?
In 2017, a fictional Member State government launched a 10-year initiative to support sustainable mobility in urban areas. This fictional initiative aimed to redefine transport measures and policies to create cleaner and more sustainable city transport.
After 5 years, the Urban Mobility Unit of the Ministry of Transport carried out an interim evaluation of the initiative to assess its progress. As part of this evaluation, a gender and intersectional analysis identified some negative gender impacts and areas requiring further attention. These included increased harassment and violence against women and other disadvantaged groups using public transport, several services that were not accessible to people with disabilities, reduced mobility for those with caring responsibilities (e.g. those carrying a pushchair) and a continued lack of representation of women in the transportation sector.
Based on the findings of the interim evaluation, the following strategies were employed to address these negative gender impacts:
Gender expertise and training. The Urban Mobility Unit mobilised the support of the Gender Equality Unit and the network of equality focal points in the Ministry of Transport. These teams worked together to identify the gender expertise needed in the Urban Mobility Unit and organise gender training to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations. They were also in contact with the governmental gender equality body to gain support in the preparation of recommendations and in contacting stakeholders.
Engagement with relevant stakeholders. The intervention team contacted the National Women‘s Council, the National Network against Racism and the National Disability Services Association to gain insights on how best to address these negative impacts and create a list of recommendations that could be implemented in the intervention.
Gender-specific recommendations. Based on the interim evaluation, the support of the ministry‘s network of equality focal points, and the engagement with the relevant stakeholders, the following targeted mitigation strategies were identified.
- 10% of the intervention‘s budget would be reallocated to improve the safety of transportation hubs – improving lighting and designated safe waiting areas, as well as improving safety measures such as CCTV surveillance, emergency assistance systems and the increased presence of security personnel.
- A campaign would be developed to improve gender equality in the public transport sector by promoting recruitment and career advancement opportunities for women in various roles. Compulsory training for all staff on gender, racial and ethnic bias would also be introduced.
- The National Disability Services Association agreed to act as an expert to assist the Urban Mobility Unit’s team in developing and incorporating several universal design principles to ensure that transportation infrastructure and technology are user-friendly and accessible.
Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the recommendations. The Urban Mobility Unit implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of the mitigation strategies in minimising the negative gender impacts identified. They regularly collected gender-disaggregated data, engaged with women and disadvantaged commuters and stakeholders, and solicited feedback to ensure the effectiveness and responsiveness of the initiative.