Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

Evaluation of the Federal State Program for Gender Equality in Saxony-Anhalt

The evaluation of the Federal State Programme for Gender Equality in Saxony-Anhalt aimed to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of the newly introduced programme structures and instruments since 2020. The focus was on implementing gender equality as a cross-departmental task in accordance with the state constitution. The study combined systematic document analysis with interviews of key stakeholders and exchange formats. Results show that anchoring gender equality as a transversal task has significantly increased visibility and discussion within the state government. The broad involvement of various stakeholder groups and the coordinating role of the Office for Women’s and Gender Equality Policy were particularly positively evaluated. Challenges remain regarding the availability of resources, the expansion of gender know-how, and the development of practical indicators for monitoring. In some departments, gender equality is still not recognized as an independent area of responsibility, which can hinder implementation. Overall, the state programme provides a solid foundation for sustainable gender equality work, but should be further improved through clearer governance structures, systematic qualification offers, and stronger public relations.

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The aim of this evaluation was "to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the newly established programme structures and newly developed programme instruments – including the mission statement and the package of measures – for the period 2020 to 2025, with regard to the implementation of gender equality as a cross-cutting task in the sense of Art. 34 of the State Constitution." Our approach combined a document-based analysis with stakeholder surveys and the evaluation of key programme components. The goal was to identify approaches for improving governance, coherence, and implementation quality in the state programme, and to derive recommendations for its strategic further development, based on a theory-driven and empirically grounded analysis. The evaluation aimed to systematically examine gender equality policy as a political cross-cutting task along central guiding questions. The focus included, among other things, the cross-departmental impact of the programme, the influencing factors on programne structure and content, as well as the institutional framework conditions for programme implementation.

  • (AI-supported) systematic document analysis
  • Semi-structured guideline interviews
  • Exchange formats with the client

The anchoring of gender equality as a cross-departmental, transversal task is regarded as a central strength of the state programme, as it has increased the institutional visibility of the issue and stimulated important processes of discussion. The broad participation of stakeholders from administration, civil society, business, and academia is also viewed positively, as it fosters exchange, feedback, and shared learning processes. In this context, the Office for Women’s and Gender Equality Policy is perceived as a driving and coordinating force. At the same time, challenges remain in implementation: limited human and financial resources, still insufficient gender know-how across departments, and a strong reliance on individual commitment make reliable and sustainable implementation more difficult. In addition, gender equality is still not consistently recognised as an independent area of responsibility in some departments, which may foster resistance and hinder the implementation of measures. Cross-departmental cooperation is further complicated by unequal decision-making powers, interdepartmental conflicts, unclear responsibilities, and communication deficits. Furthermore, the development and application of indicators for monitoring are perceived as difficult, which is why practical and easily understandable indicators are recommended. Overall, the state programme provides a solid foundation for sustainable gender equality work, but it should be further strengthened through clearer governance structures, systematic training and capacity-building measures, and stronger public communication.

Duration

9.2025-12.2025

Clients

Ministry of Labour, Health and Equality of the State of Saxony-Anhalt