Side/parallel event at CSW68: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
Written by Tania Gómez Herazo (Soroptimist International of Belgium – Club Aalst)
Gender data financing challenges and solutions
This event addressed how important it is to have available gender data and statistics for driving gender equality, and work needs to be done to close gaps in data availability and statistical systems, all around the globe. Investment in data systems can help, it was cited that a study shows $1 invested in data has a $32 return.
Conflicting priorities and a lack of understanding of the impact of data are hindering efforts to finance data systems, especially in countries with humanitarian crises.
To address gender data financing challenges, there is the need for complex solutions, with a focus on engaging donors and countries for effective implementation.
Financing gender data and funding gaps
We were asked to take part in a quiz on gender data financing, which revealed that only $122 million in official development assistance was allocated globally for gender equality in 2018.
$500 million to $360 billion per year needed for gender equality and women’s empowerment. This is quite an enlightening number!
Challenges and solutions
There are many issues while producing gender data, including the ‘millions to billions’ challenge. A significant gap between the $122 million allocated for gender data and statistics in 2021 and the $64.1 billion allocated for gender equality exists, emphasizing the need for more funding and sustainable resources.
The top five donors account for 70% of funding for gender data and statistics, leaving the sector vulnerable to shocks and underscoring the importance of diversification among donors.
This event underlined the challenge of producing gender data, citing limited resources and institutional barriers.
Gender data and decision-making
There are three key solutions for mainstreaming gender data into gender equality strategies, identified through dialogue with donors and gender data champions.
Gender data is driving transformative change, citing examples of countries like Cameroon, Colombia, and Bangladesh which have invested in gender-responsive statistical systems.
Also, advocacy is needed for gender-responsive statistical budgeting, noting that it is essential to mainstream gender in national statistical systems to achieve gender equality.
Gender data: impact on policies and lives
Canada is a leader in gender data investments, with strong political support and champions like Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan and Ghana’s government.
Partnerships with data champions in Albania led to expanded services for victims of domestic violence and a new national care policy in Kenya.
We must publish and promote success stories of gender data initiatives, emphasizing their impact on women’s lives.
Australia’s commitment
The Australian government recently committed over AUS Dollars 3 million to address gender equality objectives.
The Workplace Gender Equality agency collects comprehensive data on gender equality indicators, including demographic information, roles, remuneration, and company policies, from over 10,000 employers in Australia.
The agency publishes employer gender pay gaps and composition by pay quartiles, holding CEOs accountable for addressing gender pay gaps within their organizations, and providing a platform for peer comparison and potential for change.
Researchers use data to show causal link between gender equality policies and stock market performance in Australia.
Workplace Gender Equality Agency is working and discussing in several platforms new policies to collect data on gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Gender data and health inequality
In order to address inequalities on healthcare and inform effective policies, we all need gender data. Investing in sectoral Information Systems to routinely collect data on health outcomes and access to services, while addressing capacity and priority issues at country level.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) adopts guidelines for reporting sex and gender data in research, promoting equity and evidence-based decision-making.