The Effectiveness of Communicating Gender Sensitive Initiatives to United Nations Employees in Nairobi

Abstract

The cry for gender equity and equality is still very much alive in our societies today, and has continued to be a pre-occupation of the United Nations Organiza- tion for the past three decades. However, gender discrimination perpetuated by many cultural practices and beliefs has prevailed. The purpose of this study was to establish the effectiveness with which UNCHS Habitat's Gender Unit has been successful in raising awareness on gender sensi- tive initiatives with the ultimate aim of achieving gender equity and equality among United Nations Employees in Nairobi. The researcher used the descriptive survey method for this study. Through the use of an interview schedule and a questionnaire, data were collected from among 10 interviewees and 73 respondents to the questionnaire out of a population of 120 employees who had participated in the Gender Unit's Programme. Majority of the respondents were female. It was hoped that the findings of this study will help the UN, UNCHS and the Gender Unit improve on their communication process aimed at achieving gender sensitivity among UN employees. The findings of this study indicated that there was an increased awareness on gender sensitivity among UN employees after they participated in the Gender Unit's programme. It was noted that the level of hostility and arrogance towards gender issues was greatly reduced as employees now discussed gender-related issues freely. It was, therefore, recommended that the activities of the Gender Unit be encouraged and that the unit be replicated in other UN agencies. It was also established that, the Gender Unit's programme was more successful in reaching General Staff with gender sensitive initiatives than it was with profes sional staff.