National Gender Mainstreaming Policy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

National Gender Mainstreaming Policy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The objectives of this Policy are: strengthened institutional capacity to deliver gender-responsive programs and services, safeguarded family wellbeing, elimination of gender-based violence, equitable participation in, and benefit from, economic development, and equitable participation of women and men in decision-making.
This Policy lays down strategies to ensure gender equality and the empowerment of women at all levels of development and decision-making. The involvement and contribution of the Council of Iroj, the Nitijela, all government sectors, civil society organizations and communities will be encouraged in the implementation of this Policy. Moreover, the equitable participation of women and men in decision-making will be supported. Data collection will be strengthened and gender analysis will be conducted regularly to inform policy development and service delivery, and to monitor the impacts and benefits of government programs for women and men. A monitoring and reporting mechanism will be developed on progress towards gender equality. Institutional capacity building will be enhanced through training, the development of guidelines, and technical assistance. The coordination between government institutions and the Gender Office will be improved for the effective implementation of the National Gender Mainstreaming Policy. In order to mainstream gender into all sectors at all levels, gender focal points will be established in every ministry. Public awareness will be raised on gender inequality issues. Boys’ and girls’ access to higher levels of education and vocational and technical training will be expanded. Civic education, gender equality and human rights will be included in the school curriculum. Women and men will be supported in adopting healthier lifestyles. Employment opportunities will be provided for women by preventing discriminatory practices in order to enhance their participation in the economy. In addition, income-generating activities will be supported for women in rural areas and in disadvantaged households. The contribution of women and men will be promoted in agriculture and fisheries and their respective roles in food security and rural development will be supported. The access to productive resources, decent work, financial services, and credit will be provided for women.
The role of women and men in households’ and communities’ adaptation strategies to climate change impacts and disaster risks will be supported. Local knowledge of women and men in disaster preparedness, food security and water security will be taken account in developing climate change adaptation strategies and programs.
The Gender and Development Office, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is the official gender focal point of the government with an advisory and coordinating capacity concerning gender inequality and women’s human rights issues. The Human Rights Committee shall be responsible for the monitoring of the implementation of the Policy with the support of the Gender and Development Office.