Tool 5: Places of Deprivation of Liberty and Gender Figure 2: Key differences between a gender-neutral approach and approaches that integrate a gender perspective Gender neutral Gender responsive Everyone is the same, so all are treated the same People are different, so they are treated differently to have an equal experience Gender is not considered relevant in policy, procedure and thinking Gender is central to policy, procedure and thinking No difference in the treatment of women, men or transgender people Specific policy tailored to women, men and transgender people to take into account relevant needs Reinforces existing gender stereotypes Challenges existing gender stereotypes Does not promote equality Actively promotes gender equality This Tool uses the similar but more inclusive concept of “integrating a gender perspective”. A gender perspective is a way of seeing or analysing which looks at the impact of gender on people’s opportunities, social roles and interactions. This way of seeing is what enables one to carry out gender analysis and subsequently to mainstream a gender perspective into any proposed programme, policy or organization.7 Integrating a gender perspective should occur alongside measures actively designed to promote gender equality. One assumption to avoid is that by treating everyone the same, regardless of their gender, they are therefore being treated equally. This “gender-neutral approach” can be seen in policy and procedure where gender is not mentioned or is ignored. It results in a tendency to treat women offenders not equally, but in the same way that men are treated.8 However, groups with different needs must be treated differently to achieve equality in terms of opportunity and resources. Figure 2 highlights key differences between a genderneutral approach and approaches that integrate a gender perspective – also referred to as gender-inclusive, gender-responsive or gender-sensitive approaches. Research shows that gender-responsive interventions are more effective (see Box 1). 9