Equity and gender mainstreaming in public policy: A scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Gender Studies
• Health Equity Research

Background:

• Growing attention to health equity and gender mainstreaming in policy.
• Limited understanding of how policymakers institutionalize these considerations.
• Need to systematically review evidence on routine integration of equity and gender.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of literature on policymakers' consideration of equity and gender.
• To compile evidence on the routine or systematic incorporation of these principles in policymaking.
• To inform government efforts to improve gender and equity mainstreaming.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PAIS Index, Scopus, and government documents (1995-present).
• Inclusion of texts detailing routine/systematic consideration of equity/gender in public policy development, regardless of source or study design (English language only).

Main Results:

• Data charting will include bibliographic information, country, and approach to equity/gender consideration.
• The review will synthesize findings on the institutionalization of equity and gender in policymaking.
• Evidence will be compiled on how policymakers systematically address these issues.

Conclusions:

• Protocol development enhances study rigor and transparency.
• The scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of current practices.
• Findings will support governments in initiating, sustaining, and improving gender and equity mainstreaming.