Women

There are many reasons why it's important to make sure women are engaged in your decision-making process.

Women are often the primary information seekers in their households when it comes to government services or programmes (NSW Department for Women, 2000).

Also, policies and programmes can impact on men and women in different and often unintended ways. So it's essential to consider how men and women are likely to be affected by your decision.

Gender analysis is a framework for decision-making that will help you do this. Gender Analysis examines the differences in men's and women's lives, including those that lead to social and economic inequity, and applies this understanding to policy development and service delivery.

Here are some specific things to think about when engaging women:

• Be aware of diversity: Women have a diverse range of experiences, perceptions and needs according to their background, living circumstances, age, income, ethnicity, and any number of other factors. Ask yourself how your decision will affect particular groups of women, including Māori women, Pacific women, women with disabilities, refugee or migrant women, rural women, women on low incomes, and young women.
• Allow adequate time: Many women's groups have limited resources, so make sure you allow adequate time for group members to consult among themselves when forming a view. To get the most out of your process, invest time in building your active relationships.
• Be flexible: Many women will have other commitments you need to be conscious of. They may be involved in unpaid work, or have primary responsibility for looking after family and whānau. Women with children, for example, might have obligations such as dropping off or picking up children from school. If you're planning a meeting, be flexible about meeting times and consider whether you need to help with childcare.

The Ministry of Women's Affairs can provide advice when dealing with gender-specific issues. The Ministry's website has resources including:

• the Women's Directory, containing a list of women's groups and organisations in New Zealand
• information on gender analysis
• publications and reports on the status of women and gender issues in New Zealand.