Board of Trustees/Directors

Where relevant*, this category highlights the governing body that exists among representative donor/financing institutions, and how these bodies might contribute to the institution's gender mandate.

*Not all donor/financing institutions have a Board.

Putting it in Practice

Explore a story illuminating the practical implementation of this element

“Our board has really championed our efforts to center gender equality. They ask for updates on our progress toward the gender mandate in meetings, they challenge us to make sure staffing and budgets support our commitment, and they hold our leaders accountable to internal and external gender metrics.”

  • STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

    How might governing bodies support the gender mandate?

    • The Executive Board meets annually with a standard agenda item to report on progress/outcomes of the institution's gender policy.

    • The Board of Executive Directors includes the following committees (each with opportunities to mainstream gender into their governance mechanisms): Audit, Budget, Development and Effectiveness, Governance and Executive Directors' Administrative Matters, Human Resources, and Ethics.

    ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS

    How do institutional Boards contribute to the enforcement of structures that support the institution's gender mandate?

    • The Executive Director is held accountable to gender outcomes at the annual Executive Board meeting.

    • Gender, as a topic, exists as a standard agenda item in annual Board meetings.

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    How might institutional Boards better enforce structures that support the institution's gender mandate?

    START HERE: Discuss gender-related targets and progress in Board meetings.

    • Ask the Board to meet with external advocacy stakeholders to draw more attention to gender.

    • Encourage Board members to meet with gender technical staff to learn more about their work.