Gender impact analysis is a process that is used to collect evidence of the advantages and deficiencies of policy choices by analysing their possible consequences for men and women in society (changes in the rights, obligations, opportunities, responsibility, resource distribution, participation, values and norms related to gender roles).
For example, unintended social effects may be caused by the application of a seemingly neutral measure in an area where women and men are not in the same position or operating in the same conditions. In order to prevent negative impacts, it’s important to find out how proposed decisions will affect the daily lives of men and women and gender relations. The aim of gender impact analysis is to ensure that the adoption of new decisions does not exacerbate existing inequality but contributes to achieving equality between women and men and to the quality provision of public services.
For example, the gender impact analysis of the current pension system in England found that, without further reforms, the proportion of women qualifying for the full basic state old age pension will remain lower than the proportion of men until 2020.
If you feel that you’ve been treated unequally, please contact the Equality Commissioner by e-mail at avaldus@volinik.ee or telephone +372 626 9059. The anonymity of the person is guaranteed when contacting the Commissioner.
