Gender

Gender is the socially constructed roles of men and women that are learnt through a process of socialization and through culture of the society concerned.  Throughout their life, gender is reinforced by parents, teachers, peers and society.

According to the 2007 Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, India ranks number 114 out of 128 countries in terms of gender inequality. It is therefore one of the most gender unequal countries on earth. This measurement is based on the gap between men and women in terms of economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment. This imbalance is largely due to the socially constructed roles of men and women.

CYSD acknowledges the enormous gender equity gap in Orissa, and has taken a number of measures both within the organisation and in its programmes to rectify this imbalance. CYSD has developed a Gender Policy, which is the main instrument for mainstreaming gender concerns within the organization. The Gender Task Force is responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of the Gender Policy within CYSD. This task force includes equal numbers of male and female staff, a balance between higher and lowers level staff, and both field staff and head office staff play an active role.

Gender friendly practices within CYSD

·In recruitment, CYSD gives priority to capable females, in order to rectify the male-female balance within the organisation.

·The Staff is entitled to maternity and paternity leave.

·Facilities are available for female staff to travel with their young children when they go on field visits.

·If the Staff needs to work late in the office, female staff can avail of the office vehicle to bring them home, in order to ensure that they reach home safely.

·There are separate bathroom facilities for men and women. CYSD has a Sexual Harassment Policy and has formed a Committee against Sexual Harassment.

Gender Focus within Education

Gender Focus within Governance

Gender Focus within Livelihoods