In April 2013, LASPNET volunteered to take a Gender Audit with the Objectivity of exploring and analyzing it effectiveness in carrying out the steps necessary for engendering its programmes and projects and mainstreaming into all its institutional activities. The main purpose of the gender audit was to assess the extent to which gender has been mainstreamed into current policies, programmes, organizational structure and procedures, and promote learning on how to effectively implement gender mainstreaming in different aspects of the network including its membership. The audit results were expected to serve as inputs into future formulation of internal policies, programme strategies, and organizational structures across the membership. It will further provide a strong basis on which to broaden the secretariat's ability to incorporate a gender dimension in all its coordination structures and systems.
Key recommendations of the report include the following
LASPNET members without gender policies need to be supported to develop gender policies, while promoting training/organizational learning and sharing of policies across the network.
A common resource centre for not only reading but also for having coffee or tea together could be availed. Encourage activities such as Sports’ Associations, quarterly office outings that would bring staff together to balance work with life and promote informal socialization.