Key GAD concepts are identified in the guidelines mentioned above. Some basic terminology is discussed below:
Gender: According to the harmonized guidelines, gender is a shortened form of the phrase "social relations of gender", which seeks to make evident and to explain the global symmetry that appears in male-female relations in terms of power sharing, decision making, division of labor, and return to labor both within the household and in society.
Gender analysis: It is an examination of a problem or situation in order to identify gender issues within the context of a project, and the obstacles to the attainment of gender equality or similar goals.
Gender issue: Arises when gender inequality is recognized as undesirable or unjust.
Gender discrimination: Differential treatment given to individuals on the basis of their gender. This generally involves bias against women in the distribution of income, access to resources, and participation in decision making.
Gender roles: These are roles in a society or culture that defines or constructs a female or male.
Principles: Reiterating from the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines, the GAD guidelines subscribe to the idea that development involves the expansion of freedoms and strengthening of capabilities. It has been recognized that:
1. Equality between men and women is a key women' human rights;
2. Participation in development is crucial to the empowerment of women and men;
3. Gender equality means promoting the equal participation of women as agents of economic, social, and political change; and
4. Achieving equality between women and men may involve the introduction of specific measures designed to eliminate prevailing gender inequalities and inequities.