GENDER POLICY

Inequality, overstretched health systems, climate change, the impact of conflict, the growth of new technologies and the irrational use of medicines are just some of the factors that threaten global health and well-being, with vulnerable and marginalised communities at particular risk of harm. [...] RATIONALE What does gender and gender equality mean to us? And why do we believe it should receive special attention in the form of a policy? At HAI, we endorse the definition of gender as formulated by the World Health Organization: Gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men—such as the norms, roles and relationships that exist between them. [...] In the international setting in which HAI operates, it is therefore important to be conscious of the limitations and opportunities towards access to medicines within each context that we work, as well as the differing values and norms that are being upheld by colleagues, project partners, and the local people with whom, and for whom, we work. [...] 4 The following HAI policies that are connected to this Gender Policy are: Guide to Employee Entitlements and Conditions of Employment This internal document goes beyond legal requirements within The Netherlands to provide opportunities to staff members for personal and career choices. [...] We understand the importance of this data to help us identify the burdens of disease per sex and, thus, measure the level of effectiveness and efficiency of our in-country interventions and advocacy initiatives.