The primary objective of the manual is to foster a gender perspective in national statistics. Recognising that systematic integration of gender in regular statistical activities is still missing in many countries, the manual has been designed to guide a sustainable development of gender statistics. The manual provides concrete information needed to accomplish three main goals: (a) achieve a comprehensive coverage of gender issues in data production activities; (b) incorporate a gender perspective into the design of surveys or censuses, by taking into account gender issues and gender-biases in measurement; and (c) improve data analysis and data presentation and deliver gender statistics in a format easy to use by policy makers and planners.

This is a single-volume guide to all the main analytical frameworks for gender-sensitive research and planning. It draws on the experience of trainers and practitioners, and includes step-by-step instructions for using the frameworks.

This briefing introduces gender statistics and indicators and explains why they are important tools to promote gender equality and implement a gender mainstreaming approach. Put simply, gender statistics and indicators integrate a gender perspective in the collection, analysis and presentation of statistical data. Gender statistics play a key role in measuring gender gaps on the basis of agreed indicators that are relevant to the lives of women and men. In the EU, for example, they are used to identify gender gaps in education, the labour market, earnings and health, amongst other areas. Gender statistics and indicators are an integral part of gender mainstreaming throughout the entire policy cycle. Firstly, they inform the policymaking process and ensure that interventions respond to the different needs and priorities of women and men. Secondly, they measure changes in the relations between women and men over time in a particular policy area, a specific programme or activity, or changes in the status or situation of women and men. Thirdly, they are an essential part of the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation and outcomes of policies, programmes and projects.