EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A. BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY

Achieving gender equality and equity through the empowerment of women is a crucial strategic goal of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). As population and development thinking has evolved to include a sound understanding of gender, so, too, have the UNFPA mandate,policies, programmes and organizational structure. Numerous publications and training materials produced by UNFPA organizational units have aimed at facilitating an understanding of genderrelated concepts. Yet, the subject of gender remains challenging for UNFPA staff. Many reviews and evaluations mention the need for more clarity and practical guidance on gender mainstreaming (see glossary) in programming. This assessment set out to help meet that need.

Its objectives were as follows:
• To assess the quality, packaging and design of gender-related messages being communicated to UNFPA staff;
• To assess the utility and utilization of these materials by interviewing stakeholders in UNFPA headquarters and the field;
• To identify good practices to improve the communication of gender concepts and their mainstreaming into all UNFPA materials; and
• To promote a common understanding of what should be done at the organizational level to institutionalize strengths and achievements in current practice.

The assessment was conducted using the “appreciative inquiry” approach, which seeks to identify what works well and what leads to good practices. The ultimate aim was strengthen learning and organizational development. The assessment consisted of a desk review of UNFPA materials;
interviews, a survey and dialogues with a variety of UNFPA stakeholders in the field and at headquarters; and a Recommendations Development Workshop. The assessment team consisted of the evaluation adviser and three external consultants. One external gender consultant reviewed
materials in Arabic, English and French. A short-term Spanish-speaking consultant reviewed selected documents in Spanish. The third external consultant reviewed 10 publications to assess their communication style and impact. All three consultants conferred regularly with the Division
for Oversight Services (DOS) evaluation adviser managing the exercise