I had the privilege of delivering a comprehensive GBA+ training session to the Parliament of Kenya, focusing on how this analytical process can be integrated into legislative processes to promote gender equality and inclusivity. At The Smart Woman Consulting, we understand that respecting cultural sensitivity is essential in our work. The Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) approach is designed to be adaptable, ensuring it aligns with and respects the cultural context of each country. 

What is GBA+?

Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is an analytical process that examines how diverse groups of women, men, and non-binary people experience policies, programs, and initiatives differently. The "Plus" signifies that GBA+ goes beyond gender, considering multiple factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, and disability.

Training Objectives

1. Enhance Understanding of GBA+: Equip Members of Parliament (MPs) with a solid understanding of GBA+ and its importance in developing gender-sensitive policies.
2. Practical Application: Provide practical tools and techniques for applying GBA+ in Kenya’s unique cultural landscape.
3. Encourage Inclusive Legislation: Foster a commitment to developing legislation that is inclusive and equitable.

Key Components of the Training

1. Introduction to GBA+ Principles

The training began with an introduction to the principles of GBA+. We explored how GBA+ can reveal unintended biases and inequalities in policies and programs. Understanding these principles is crucial for MPs to ensure that legislation benefits all segments of society.

2. Contextualizing GBA+ in Kenya

Kenya’s cultural and political context presents unique challenges and opportunities for implementing GBA+. The training emphasized the need to consider factors such as:

- Cultural Norms and Practices: Traditional roles and norms significantly influence gender dynamics in Kenya. In many communities, women are primarily responsible for household duties and childcare. This cultural expectation impacts their economic opportunities and participation in public life. For example, women may have limited time for income-generating activities or education, which can perpetuate economic dependency and limit their social mobility.

- Political Landscape: The 2010 Constitution of Kenya is a landmark in promoting gender equality. It mandates that no more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender, known as the "two-thirds gender rule." However, achieving this constitutional requirement has been challenging. Political resistance, societal norms, and a lack of enforcement mechanisms have hindered progress. Despite these challenges, there have been ongoing efforts to meet these requirements, including legislative proposals and advocacy by civil society groups to ensure greater female representation in parliament and other decision-making bodies.

3. Practical Application: Case Studies and Scenarios

We used case studies and scenarios relevant to Kenya to illustrate the application of GBA+:

• Land Ownership and Property Rights: In many parts of Kenya, cultural norms and practices often limit women's access to land and property ownership. GBA+ can be applied to assess the impact of land laws and policies on women's land rights, ensuring that legislation promotes gender equality in land ownership and inheritance rights.
• Healthcare Services: GBA+ can also be applied to evaluate the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for women in Kenya. By analyzing healthcare policies and programs through a gender lens, MPs can identify gaps and disparities in healthcare delivery and advocate for measures to address women's specific health needs, such as maternal healthcare and reproductive health services.

The training concluded with strategies for MPs to promote inclusive legislation:

• Engage Stakeholders: Involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including women’s groups, civil society organizations, and marginalized communities, in the legislative process to gather comprehensive insights and feedback.
• Monitor and Evaluate: Establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the impact of legislation on different genders and other intersecting factors, making adjustments as needed to address any disparities.

Implementing GBA+ in legislative processes is crucial for fostering gender equality and inclusivity in Kenya. The training provided Kenyan MPs with the knowledge and tools to apply GBA+ effectively, considering the unique cultural and political context of the country. By adopting these practices, MPs can develop legislation that promotes gender equality and ensures the full participation and representation of all Kenyans in decision-making processes.

For more insights and updates on GBA+ training and how it can benefit your organization, connect with The Smart Woman Consulting.