Gender Impact Assessment

Integrating gender equality into investment decisions

Under the Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic), public sector organisations must complete a Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) for any new major policies, programs or services that have a direct and significant impact on the public.

A well-designed GIA strengthens investment proposals by identifying how different genders may be affected, highlighting potential benefits for equity and access and ensuring more equitable, inclusive outcomes. It also supports compliance with Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) business case requirements.

Our approach

We follow a structured, evidence-based approach aligned with the Gender Equality Act 2020 and guidance from the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector. Our approach is also designed to integrate seamlessly with the business case process.

Step 1 – Define the public impact

We start by identifying whether the policy, program or service has a direct and significant impact on the public. This sets the foundation for a meaningful assessment under the Act.

Step 2 – Apply a gender and intersectional lens

We analyse the problem and proposed solution with a gender and intersectional lens.
This includes:

Assessing differences across gender identities
Considering intersecting attributes such as age, Aboriginality, culture, disability, and care responsibilities
Exploring a minimum of two scenarios: doing nothing and progressing the preferred solution

Step 3 – Gather and analyse evidence

We conduct a literature review using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Sources include published and grey literature using a snowballing method to identify:

Workforce participation and unpaid care
Access to services, infrastructure and mobility
Gender representation in sectors and industries
Economic and demographic data

The findings are coded and analysed to inform next steps.

Step 4 – Conduct stakeholder consultation

We host a two-hour workshop with key stakeholders. This may include:

Community representatives
LGBTIQA+ and women’s health organisations
Aboriginal-led and culturally diverse service providers

This consultation captures lived experience and supports the co-design of gender-responsive actions.

Step 5 – Identify options and recommend actions

We identify practical, evidence-informed options for integrating gender equality. This may include:

Cost/benefit and risk analysis of gender-responsive actions
Reference to good practice examples
Tailored recommendations for your initiative

Deliverables

A complete Gender Impact Assessment using enhanced themplates based on the approved templates from the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector.

All outputs meet the required standard and can be used in both internal approvals and reporting.

Why this matters

By embedding a GIA into your investment process, you are not only complying with the Gender Equality Act — you are actively building more inclusive, responsive, and effective public value for all Victorians.