WHISE provides training and education in the concepts of Gender and Diversity.
Gender:
Gender analysis seeks to recognize the ways in which gender roles, resources and perceptions impact upon women’s and men’s health, and to find ways to address the inequities that arise from this (WHO 1998)
Diversity:
Individuals and groups differ from one another according to a range of factors. An individual may be affected by a range of factors, and these may change over time
Diversity analysis looks at the demographics of a particular area, and compares that with the groups currently using a service, to identify what groups may be marginalized or not visible, and experience discrimination as a result
Gender and Diversity looks at the demographic and other data (health, IRSED, etc), and uses the data to emphasise the need for service providers to be particularly aware of the personal, professional and cultural backgrounds of their clients, in order to assist the clients to:
- Understand service options
- Ask informed questions about service treatment, side effects, outcomes, alternatives
- Discuss sensitive personal issues
- Discuss issues that are traditionally not discussed (e.g. mental health needs, sexual and reproductive health needs).
Gender data can be “crosscut” by:
- Socioeconomic status
- Religion and belief
- Age
- Educational standard
- Housing security
- Care responsibilities
- Cultural and linguistic diversity
- Sexual orientation
- Ability / Disability
- Employment
- Geographic location
The list goes on……
Diversity data can be “crosscut” in similar fashion
The question for all of us is:
How do we use Gender and Diversity data sensibly and effectively, without being too afraid to work, for fear of doing the wrong thing?
Gender and diversity training seeks to provide participants with the knowledge, tools and confidence to look at these factors, and see how they can apply them sensibly within their own service.
For more information contact our Training Coordinator on 9794 8677.