Compile, analyse, discuss and disseminate the findings of the progress reports

The high-level working group or committee will compile the progress report findings into a single document that assesses the extent to which measures in the gender equality action plan have been implemented.

Do's of developing a compiled progress report

  • Do identify bottlenecks in the implementation of the plan

  • Do reflect on potential reasons why targets have not been met.

  • Do provide an update on all measures in the plan.

  • Do pay attention to gender and intersecting inequalities.

  • Do use gender-sensitive language throughout the report.

  • Do review and update the remaining budget for implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Don’ts of developing a compiled progress report

  • Do not name and shame’ groups that have not met targets.

  • Do not make definitive statements as to why targets have not been met without consulting the groups responsible for implementation.

  • Do not include unnecessary information that makes the report difficult to read or understand.

right-arrow Next, share the compiled progress report with the groups responsible for implementation and arrange a joint meeting. The purpose of the joint meeting is to:

  • understand the factors that have helped facilitate the process of implementation;
  • identify existing roadblocks that are hindering the process of implementation, and potential solutions to address these issues;
  • consider whether any changes will be made to the plan based on findings of the compiled report;
  • discuss how the parliament can give visibility to the key messages of the compiled progress report.

Example of a parliament producing regular progress reports

The equality plan of the National Parliament of Spain (2020–2024) presents a framework for evaluating progress to implement the plan over a 4-year period[1]. To help monitor and evaluate its implementation, the plan includes a total of 142 performance indicators to assess progress within eight thematic areas.

  1. Organisational measures (to implement and monitor the plan).
  2. Access to public employment.
  3. Career advancement and promotions.
  4. Training, information and awareness.
  5. Gender representation in staff bodies.
  6. Work–life balance.
  7. Anti-harassment.
  8. Communication and inclusive language.

The plan describes the establishment of a Monitoring Committee overseeing its implementation, which will publish annual progress reports to the upper and lower houses of the parliament. The annual reports will assess the process of implementing the plan and provide recommendations for improving or amending the plan. The parliament has also created equality portals on the websites of the Congress of Deputies[2] and the Senate[3]. These portals provide public information on the monitoring of the gender equality plan, sex-disaggregated data on the composition of staff, and the policies and procedures of the parliament to combat harassment and gender-based violence.

Example of a parliament disseminating progress report findings (fictional)

A parliament’s gender equality action plan sets out that a joint progress meeting will be held annually to discuss the findings of the annual progress report. The meeting is chaired by the high-level working group and is attended by leaders and focal points of groups responsible for implementing the plan.

The purpose of the joint meeting is to discuss the progress made towards implementing the plan. An overview of the findings of the annual progress report is provided, and participants identify common success factors and roadblocks that affected implementation.

The key findings of the joint progress meeting and annual progress report are then shared with the institution’s communications teams, who then disseminate the findings through internal and external communications.

Compile, disseminate and analyse the findings of the progress reports

  • Compile the individual progress reports shared by different groups into a single document.

  • Ensure that the document provides the key findings of the progress reports, and the main issues that need to be addressed going forward.

  • Share the compiled progress report with the groups responsible for implementation and arrange a joint meeting to discuss the key findings.