Gender-responsive development
As part of its commitment to inclusive development, the Nossal Institute focuses on the gender dimensions of its public health activities. This includes attention to gender equality and equity in all aspects of programming and representation, and a recognition that subtle gender dynamics are at play in every context. The Nossal Institute undertakes analysis of how development initiatives impact differentially on women and men and diverse groups within these two clusters, and seeks to transform practices or services for better health outcomes.
Gender-sensitive approaches recognise and respond to differences, thus improving program effectiveness as well as contributing to gender equality. The Nossal Institute has current expertise in gender assessments and developing gender strategies in public health programs, as demonstrated in the gender advisory role for the AusAID HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Program. The Institute also conducts research into gender issues, specifically in relation to tobacco use, as well as through an AusAID Australian Development Research Award grant to investigate the harm reduction needs of women who inject drugs in Vietnam.