The organizational process of integrating gender into development planning: a case study

Abstract

This thesis examines the integration of gender concerns into development planning in the non-profit sector through a case study of planning a development program in a non-profit nongovernmental organization. The dependent variable of the study is the degree of "gender sensitivity," the extent to which gender concerns are taken into account in the planning process of a development program. The thesis constructs evaluative and explanatory frameworks on the basis of recent research to be used to examine a gender-sensitive planning process for NGOs in general and in the case study in particular. The evaluative framework distinguishes among three dimensions that are evaluated in the planning process: design process, plan for implementation, and policy approach. The degree of gender sensitivity determined by applying the evaluative framework is then explained by examining five explanatory factors: organizational goals, structures, personnel, environment, and resources. Finally, the conclusion suggests strategies for improving the gender sensitivity of the planning process.