Provide support to groups responsible for implementation

The high-level working group or committee can remind all relevant groups to begin carrying out the measures they have been assigned in the gender equality action plan (as outlined in Step 2).

To facilitate this process, develop an additional document which summarises the responsibilities of different groups in parliament during the process of implementation.

Use this downloadable template to develop the guidance document. Tailor it to your context.

The high-level working group or committee can then disseminate this document to all groups with responsibilities for implementation. This will create an opportunity for these groups to reflect on their upcoming work, raise questions and request additional support if needed.

Example of a parliament instructing relevant groups to carry out the measures in the plan (fictional)

A high-level working group developed an additional guidance document which listed all groups in the institution with responsibilities for implementing measures in the plan, the leaders and focal points for each group, and the measures these groups would be expected to carry out.

After receiving this document, the head of the HR department of the parliamentary administration organised a team meeting with senior management in the department. During this meeting, participants:

  • determined which measures in the plan are time-sensitive and will be immediately prioritised by the department;
  • agreed to share a common message to the team that both men and women have a responsibility to ensure the plan’s success (emphasising that this is not only a ‘women’s issue’);
  • the management team also agreed to incorporate updates on the implementation of the gender equality action plan in their monthly catch-up calls.

Groups with responsibilities for implementation

  • Identify the measures that your group is responsible for carrying out. Consider the activities that are time sensitive, and the activities that are ongoing. For each of the measures, reflect on the specific milestones you aim to achieve for each measure.

  • Reflect on how you will ensure that both women and men in all their diversity are engaged to carry out the measures in the plan assigned to your team.

  • Assess whether your group is required to collaborate with any other people or groups to deliver this work.

  • Consider whether your group will need access to any specific tools or systems to conduct this work, and how you will gain access to these tools or systems.

  • Reflect on the resources (human and financial) your group been allocated to implement this work.

  • Consider the challenges that may arise in the process of implementation. Discuss how these challenges can be prevented and/or mitigated.