Assessment of implementation of gender mainstreaming and its associated factors among employees working at Zonal level government institutions of west Shoa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023

Abstract

Background: - Gender mainstreaming is a strategy of promoting gender equality by integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of an organization's operations, evaluating the effects of planned actions on both genders. However, the implementation of gender mainstreaming is still facing several challenges, including limited capacity and skills of employees, inadequate resources and budget. Objective: - This study aims to assess gender mainstreaming implementation and its associated factors among employees working at zonal level government institutions of west Showa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023 Methods:-An institution based cross-sectional quantitative study design supplemented by qualitative study was conducted among 412 employees who were selected by a simple random sampling method from November 1 – November 30, 2023. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire, which was developed after reviewing similar literature. The data were analyzed using Epi-data (version 3.1) and Software Package of Social Science (Version.27), with assumptions checked, Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the gender mainstreaming implementation status at 95% CI and p value of < 0.05. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded, analyzed thematically and results integrated with quantitative. Results: Out of the 423 participants recruited for this study, 412 completed the study, yielding a response rate of 97.39%. The level of good implementation of gender mainstreaming was 58.50% (CI; 53.72-63.27). Having degree and above educational level (AOR = 2.5, 95%, CI; 1.1-5.5), having more than 25 years’ work experience [AOR =3.4, 95 % CI; 1.2-10.3] and having training [AOR = 1.7, 95 % CI; 1.1-2.6] were significantly associated with implementation of gender mainstreaming. Conclusion and recommendation:-The findings reveal that a level of gender mainstreaming implementation status was good. Having higher Educational level, having higher working experience and training were significantly associated with gender mainstreaming implementation. Thus, to improve gender mainstreaming implementation government should implement capacity-building programs, enhancing commitment of leaders, and pairing experienced employees with less experienced