Citizen-Generated Gender Data (CGD) for SDGs Monitoring in East Africa

CIVICUS, a global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society, aimed to improve the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in East Africa with a focus on gender data. The challenge was to assess the availability, accessibility, and quality of gender data, and to highlight the role of citizen-generated gender data in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, particularly in the East African context.

CIVICUS partnered with Indepth Research Institute (IRES) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of gender data in Kenya and Tanzania. The project aimed to review relevant indicators, map key players, analyze political and economic dynamics, and examine the frameworks and mechanisms influencing gender data generation and use.

Key Outputs

1. Review of Gender-Related Indicators: IRES conducted an in-depth review of indicators related to gender, housing, health, and education. This review provided a comprehensive understanding of the current state of gender data in these crucial areas.
2. Mapping of Key Players in East Africa: The project involved mapping key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies, donors, and other relevant entities. This mapping exercise identified the main players and their roles in the generation and use of gender data.
3. Political Economy Analysis: IRES performed a political economy analysis to explore power dynamics, opportunities, and barriers to the generation, accessibility, harmonization, and use of gender data. This analysis provided insights into the political and economic factors affecting gender data in East Africa.
4. Examination of Frameworks and Mechanisms: The project examined policy, legal, and institutional frameworks, as well as structures, cultures, and financing mechanisms. This examination highlighted the existing supports and challenges in the landscape of gender data generation and use.

The project significantly advanced the understanding and utilization of citizen-generated gender data in East Africa. By providing a detailed assessment of gender data availability and quality, mapping key players, and analyzing the political and economic context, the project informed strategies to improve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The findings supported the development of more effective policies and practices for SDG monitoring in Kenya and Tanzania.