Designing Gender Equity Programs for Sustainable Outcomes

The persistent underrepresentation of women at work questions the value and use of a gender strategy and gender equality and diversity initiatives (GEDI). This study explores equality and equity perceptions of men and women working in male-dominated project-based organizations about their organization’s values, behaviors, treatment of employees, and GEDI use. Drawing on an interpretivist paradigm, in-depth interviews from five project-based organizations were conducted. Findings indicate gendered organizations are not implementing a full range of GEDI, due to their gendered culture and structure. This study identifies important contributions required of leaders in the design and implementation choices for effective GEDI.