Gender Checklist: Health

Abstract

The checklist is meant to assist staff and consultants in implementing the Bank’s policy and strategic objectives on gender and development (GAD) (see the Bank’s Policy on Gender and Development, May 1998). It guides users through all stages of the project/program cycle in identifying the main gender issues in the health sector and in designing appropriate gender-sensitive strategies, components, and indicators to respond to gender issues. ADB staff should use the checklist in identifying gender issues in the initial social assessment (ISA) during the fact-finding phase of project preparatory technical assistance (PPTA). Consultants should use it in carrying out more detailed social analysis during the PPTA. It should be emphasized, however, that not all questions are relevant to all projects, and the staff or consultant must select the questions that are most relevant in the specific context. Guidelines on the preparation of gender-sensitive terms of reference for the ISA and the social analysis are also included, as are case studies from ADB’s project portfolio, to demonstrate good practices in mainstreaming gender in health projects. For project preparation, the checklist may be used together with the Bank’s Handbook for Incorporation of Social Dimensions in Projects (1994), Guidelines on Benefit Monitoring and Evaluation, and Briefing Papers on Women in Development series. Other useful references are listed at the back of this brochure. The checklist was prepared by Susanne Wendt and Shireen Lateef using preliminary work by a staff consultant, Penelope Schoeffel. Mary Ann Asico edited the text and Jun dela Cruz prepared the final layout. Marivic Guillermo provided production assistance.