Is There Life After Gender Mainstreaming?

In the world of feminist activism the time is right for reflection and review. Why is change not happening? What does work? Women have made many gains in the last decade, however gender equality is still not institutionalised in the day-to-day routines of governments nor international development agencies. Changes are needed in who does what, what counts, who gets what, and who decides. Changes are also needed in the institutions that mediate resources, and in women's access, voice, and influence. This article argues that a technical process of mainstreaming gender into programmes is not enough. Instead, an overtly political analysis and a transformation of institutions is also needed.