Gender relevant findings : synthesis report

It was dubbed the "combing exercise" because each office combed through its current portfolio of development activities to see what could be "uncovered" as significant in the field of gender issues in development. It is based on a series of proactive actions being taken by R&D and its Women in Development Action Group and forms the foundation for developing office-level strategies. It also provides portfolio-specific examples of the role gender plays as a critical development variable. It can be used to enhance USAID"s ongoing dialogue both within and outside the Agency on gender considerations in development. Findings are grouped according to their: (1) relevance to different points in the programming cycle, i.e., whether they provided information or guidance for the identification, design, implementation, or assessment of policies, programs, or projects; (2) implications for incorporating gender considerations into projects, programs, and policies; and (3) cross-sectoral implications. Some of the findings seem obvious while others describe rather striking examples of gender-sensitive design and analysis. All are intended to corroborate the need to include gender as a legitimate and necessary variable in doing "good development." (Author abstract, modified)