Gender mainstreaming is a strategy by means of which the gender perspective and the objective of promoting gender equality are included in all preparatory work and decision-making by the authorities. According to the Act on Equality between Women and Men, each authority must plan their operations to mainstream the gender perspective. Mainstreaming requires development of the administration’s ways of operation and a review of contents from a gender perspective. Its purpose is to bend the gender-neutral, even gender-blind, procedures and cultures.

The handbook prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is intended for use in support of the ministries’ gender equality work. It compiles best practices and methods for gender mainstreaming. It guides civil servants in the application of the gender perspective and gives tips on how to initiate the work of the ministries’ working groups for gender equality.

The handbook tells why a gender perspective is needed in the preparation of decision-making. It gives practical instructions for gender impact assessment, carrying out of projects, drafting of legislation, and planning of the ministries’ operations and economy. Each component also offers instructions in support of the work of the working groups for gender equality. The handbook contains the basic gender equality and mainstreaming vocabulary.

The handbook was drawn up in 2009 as a part of the national mainstreaming project Gender Glasses in Use funded by the European Commission. It is based on the material of the project’s website and training events (www.sukupuolisilmalasit.fi). The content of the handbook does not necessarily represent the view of the European Commission.