[Can the gender perspective be assessed in research projects?].

OBJECTIVE

Gender perspective is a theoretical approach that developed from feminist theories and whose main focus is the analysis of gender inequalities. Integration of this perspective is central to promoting equity in health. The aim of our study was to devise a protocol/questionnaire to assess whether gender is present in research projects and thus help to fill the gap in assessment tools.

METHODS

We used a qualitative design with two techniques: group discussion and expert group meetings. The discussion group conducted a dialectical analysis of the basic concepts in research and gender and integrated the results of the discourse produced in the expert group meeting. The drafting of the protocol was organized around the pertinent questions that should be asked at each stage of a research project.

RESULTS

The protocol consists of 15 questions: four in the introduction section, two in goals and hypotheses, three in methodology, three in purpose of the study and three to be implemented throughout the research project.

CONCLUSIONS

The protocol identifies projects that include a gender perspective. Use of this protocol will improve the quality of research and will help to reduce gender inequities.