Gender Responsiveness Assessment Scale (GRAS) and the elements of good practice for gender mainstreaming (GM) used

Gender-specific to transformative. Based on three of the stated principles and associated objectives, the Strategy is definitely gender specific in considering women’s and girls’ specific needs and seeking to intentionally target and benefits specific groups of women and girls. However, it can be considered gender transformative in that Principle 1 of the Strategy is gender equity and includes actions to: recognize and address the gendered nature of specific health conditions and diseases; invest in translating gender into all health policy design, development and service delivery; support women-run services and women-centred care; and use a gender-equity lens an dan evidence base to tailor programs, interventions and initiatives to improve engagement, increase equity and combat biases related to sex and gender in the health system. Principle 2 has as its objective to promote health equity between women. In terms of other good practices, Principle 5 relates to the evidence base and includes actions to improve collection of more detailed and nuanced data for women, particularly women and girls who in underrepresented population groups; to engage in and promote innovative and non-traditional ways of gathering data; and to encourage women and girls’ participation in clinical research studies. As such the Strategy aims to address gender bias and a gap in knowledge. The Strategy was developed through a process of consultation including: a National Women’s Health Forum; an online public survey; targeted consultations with state and territory governments; and advice from an Expert Advisory Group. An evidence review commissioned to inform the development of the Strategy and provides an overview of the health andwellbeing of Australian women and girls.