Here are six ways that GAP can be useful to researchers, policymakers, journalists, students, and practitioners looking to advance gender equity in their fields.
1. Learn more about experimental methodologies in gender equity research
đź’ˇ For students and academic researchers interested in gender equity research:
The research included in GAP primarily focuses on experimental approaches, with an emphasis on Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) conducted in the field or laboratory. On GAP, you can sort by experiment type based on what methodology you are looking for—whether it is a randomized controlled trial, a differences-in-differences study, or a natural experiment. To search by methodology type, go to the search page and click on “advanced search.” Use the drop-down menu titled “experiment type” to sort through studies by methodology.
2. Explore intersectional research on gender equity
đź’ˇ For gender justice advocates and practitioners:
The GAP team is committed to intersectionality as a core guiding principle for our work in gender policy research translation. GAP’s intersectional work includes research covering caste, indigenous communities, and transgender and nonbinary communities. To learn more about GAP’s commitment to intersectional research translation, visit our intersectionality statement where we we outline our internal and external goals and list the intersectional research summaries by topic.
3. Find out what works to advance gender equity in your local context
đź’ˇ For local activists, grassroots leaders, and international development professionals:
GAP highlights what works to advance gender equity from research in 46 countries. From summaries on the effectiveness of gender sensitization programs in India to the impact of cash transfers in Mali, it is important for policymakers to address the varying cultural and social norms on gender equity across the world. To explore GAP summaries by country, visit our interactive summary map.
4. Read WAPPP faculty affiliates’ research on gender equity
đź’ˇ For the Harvard Kennedy School community:
WAPPP’s affiliated faculty are made up of scholars conducting gender-related research across Harvard University, and GAP translates their research insights for policy and decision makers. To find out more about faculty affiliates’ research interests, look through their summaries on our website. We look forward to continuing to summarize our faculty affiliates’ impactful research.
5. Incorporate a gender perspective into thought leadership and policymaking
đź’ˇ For leaders, policymakers, and NGOs:
Utilizing a gendered perspective is critical to solving global crises, whether addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, or human rights violations related to migration. GAP is committed to incorporating the latest research that helps policymakers, practitioners, activists, and leaders identify potential interventions that advance gender equity as we work to solve the world’s greatest challenges. To understand how GAP compiles research relevant to current issues, read GAP’s compilation of research on how to incorporate a gender lens into addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Identify interventions for your organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
đź’ˇ For diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioners:
GAP also serves as a tool for organizational leaders looking for evidence-based interventions to implement within their organizations to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. GAP research summaries cover many DEI-related topics, including the effectiveness of diversity trainings, closing the gender gap in hiring via shortlists, and understanding the role of race and gender in negotiations. To find interventions that can make all stages of the employee lifecycle more inclusive, explore summaries in the following topic areas: Bias, Compensation, Negotiation, Leadership, and Talent Management.