The Development of the Gender Data System Maturity Model

Do General: Recommended Resource (Do)

The Development of the Gender Data System Maturity Model

RECOMMENDED BY: Tawheeda Wahabzada Open Data Watch

1 hour

National statistical systems are critical for producing gender data that inform inclusive policy and track progress toward gender equality. Yet, many systems lack a structured approach to assess their readiness and effectiveness. The Gender Data System Maturity Model proposes a systematic framework to evaluate a country's ability to produce and use gender data across five core dimensions. This tool fills a long-standing gap by integrating concepts of statistical capacity with gender data production, enabling countries to benchmark and enhance their data systems through evidence-based planning, financing, and coordination strategies. The maturity model provides a practical, adaptable guide for national statistical offices and their partners to identify gaps, prioritize actions, and advocate for resources. It is grounded in core principles, aligned with the Data Value Chain, and designed to be intuitive and flexible across income contexts.

The report outlines six core guiding principles and a five-dimensional model, with each domain evaluated across four levels of maturity: foundational, emerging, intermediate, and advanced.

The five dimensions include:

– Governance: Legal and institutional frameworks supporting gender data

– Financing: Budgetary allocations and funding mechanisms for gender statistics

– Technical Capacity: Human and technological resources within national statistical organizations (NSOs)

– Data Instruments: Tools like surveys and administrative systems used to produce gender data

– Stakeholder Coordination: Mechanisms that connect data producers and users

Each level includes clear, measurable indicators that help NSOs and ministries benchmark their progress and strategically plan next steps. For instance, foundational systems may have basic legal mandates and some sex-disaggregated data, while advanced systems have robust coordination, regular surveys, innovative data use, and domestic financing streams.

A fictional case study of “Xanadu” illustrates how a country can use the model to assess current capacity, identify weaknesses (e.g., in stakeholder coordination), and develop a roadmap toward a stronger gender data system.

Intended Users:

This model is intended for national statistical offices, ministries, development partners, donors, and civil society organizations aiming to assess, strengthen, and advocate for national gender data systems.

Download the Brief:

https://genderhealthdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Maturity-Model-Brief-Long-Version.pdf