Opportunities and Challenges of Gender Mainstreaming in Selected Governmental Office in Lay Gayint Woreda , South Gondar Zone, Amhara National Regional State

Abstract

Gender imbalance in different sectors is one of the current critical issues that requires immediate intervention and implementation of gender mainstreaming to correct it. In line with that, this study focused on to assess the opportunities and challenges to implement gender mainstreaming in selected governmental offices in Lay Gayint Woreda. A qualitative approach, particularly a case study research design was employed in this study. To gather the necessary data, the study employed interview, document review and focus group discussion. Fifteen respondents were purposely selected as informants and discussant of the study; among these three informants were selected for in depth interview and twelve discussant were selected for focus group discussion. Data analyses were done thematically by classifying and categorized the content of the data. The findings indicated that unless appropriate and context specific programs and projects are designed at national level in general and at the office level in particular, the mere presence of policy and strategic documents do not make sense as far as the issues of gender mainstreaming are concerned .The findings also indicted that lack of commitment on the part of decision-making bodies and lack of awareness and sensitivity about gender issue were the major challenges identified in the study. The study also presents social work implications on the areas of policy, practice and education.