Becoming Gender-wise

Despite considerable advances made in recent decades women and girls in Australia, and around the world, still experience significant disadvantage in many spheres - including the outcomes of philanthropic programs.

Gender-wise is the term we’ve coined to describe an approach to giving that recognises the significant role gender plays in the way we experience different aspects of life. It is also referred to as applying a gender lens.

Because programs affect women and men differently, even those that seem gender-neutral often actually exclude or under-serve some people simply because of their gender, and perpetuate existing inequities.

Gender-wise funders seek to understand this by analysing data and asking questions about how issues might affect women and men, and people of diverse gender identity, differently. 

By adopting gender-wise principles and tools, you can make sure that the programs, projects and organisations that you support better address women’s particular needs and circumstances. Examining issues through the lens of gender makes visible different needs and circumstances to better inform design and delivery, promoting inclusion and enhancing impact. 

 

Meet Our People

Why I invest in women and girls?

Carol Schwartz AO

Carol Schwartz balcony shot (Jarrod Barnes 167 14)

Paul Wheelton AM KSJ

Paul Wheelton

Eve Mahlab AO

Eve Mahlab AO

Mim Bartlett

Mim Bartlett

Deanne Weir

Deanne Weir

Dr Catherine Brown OAM

Catherine Brown

Jo Kirk

Jo Kirk

Naomi Milgrom AC

Naomi Milgrom AC

Ian Darling AO

Ian Darling

Caitriona Fay

Caitriona-Fay

Jo Horgan

Jo Horgan

Kerry Gardner AM

Kerry Gardner

"By acknowledging the difference between males and females we can raise the bar on all philanthropy."

– WILLIAM C. RICHARDSON, PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF THE W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION
By supporting programs that deliberately address gender differences in their design, implementation and outcomes, you’ll be making sure that women and girls benefit from philanthropy. As investment in this kind of social change benefits everyone, you’ll be contributing to a stronger and more equitable Australia. Gender-wise principles are even more critical in international funding. This is well recognised in international development. It is absolutely crucial if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the next 10 years to 2030 and we are determined to do all we can to support private and corporate philanthropy to maximise its impact in this pivotal decade. We have produced a suite of resources to help funders understand and apply gender-wise philanthropic practices.

Guide to Gender-wise Philanthropy

Our Guide to
Gender-wise Philanthropy outlines the case for investing in women and girls, provides an introduction to gender lens concepts, shares case studies and suggests steps for those at the beginning of the journey, as well as actions for those further progressed in gender-wise philanthropic practice.

Gender-wise Toolkit for Grantmakers

Our Gender-wise Toolkit for Grantmakers is a practical step by step ‘how to’ resource that complements the Guide to Gender-wise Philanthropy providing funders with simple downloadable tools.

Sharpening Our Focus on Corporate Giving

Sharpening Our Focus on Corporate Giving: Keeping Gender Equality in The Frame has been developed in collaboration with the Champions of Change Coalition setting out a framework to assess corporate giving and community partnership programs through a gender lens and accelerate progress towards gender equality.

Presentations and Gender-wise Workshops

We also offer presentations to philanthropic Boards and Gender-wise Workshops for philanthropic staff. Contact us to request a presentation or workshop.

Gender-wise Associates

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