Gender-Based Analysis Background Men's and women's relative social and economic status has changed dramatically over the past fifty years, with great strides being made in Canada, particularly in the pursuit of formal equality. Despite these gains, inequalities between and among men and women persist.
Gender remains closely linked to one's social and economic well-being.
Human Resources Development Canada touches the lives of women through its policies and programs in the areas of employment, training, income support, child care, and workplace issues. Gender equality is guaranteed by Sections 15 and 28 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms but is not consistently integrated in the government's policy and program development processes. In September 1995, the Government of Canada made an international commitment in its Federal Plan for Gender Equality to implement gender- based analysis in all its departments and agencies. Gender-based analysis can inform and greatly improve policy and program development, implementation and service delivery processes. Gender-based analysis is not advocacy.