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Gender Policy​
01. Introduction

Village Hope International (VHI), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in the United States, is committed to advancing gender equity across all aspects of its mission of supporting vulnerable children and their families in accessing formal education and modern healthcare services. With active programs in the United States and around the world, VHI recognizes that gender-based disparities, whether structural, cultural, or institutional can hinder the realization of human rights and sustainable development.

This Gender Policy is grounded in compliance with:

  • U.S. federal and California state nonprofit laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and relevant anti-discrimination statutes.

  • International human rights frameworks, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Best practices in nonprofit governance, safeguarding, and inclusive programming.

VHI affirms that gender equity is not only a matter of legal compliance but a strategic imperative for achieving its mission. This policy provides a framework for promoting gender-responsive planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation across all organizational operations, partnerships, and service delivery. It applies to staff, volunteers, board members, and all stakeholders engaged in VHI’s work, ensuring that dignity, safety, and opportunity are upheld for individuals of all gender identities.

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02. Scope and Applicability

This Gender Policy applies to all operations, personnel, and stakeholders of Village Hope International (VHI), including but not limited to:

  • Staff, volunteers, and board members operating in the United States and around the world.

  • Program beneficiaries, including children, families, and communities served by VHI.

  • Partner organizations, contractors, and service providers engaged in VHI-funded or affiliated activities.

  • Donors, institutional funders, and collaborators whose engagement influences program design or delivery.

The policy governs VHI’s conduct across:

  • Organizational governance, including recruitment, leadership, and decision-making structures.

  • Program design and implementation, ensuring gender-responsive planning, equitable access, and inclusive service delivery.

  • Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, with gender-disaggregated data and impact assessments.

  • Safeguarding and protection protocols, aligned with child safety and anti-discrimination standards.

  • Communications and advocacy, promoting respectful, inclusive, and non-stereotypical representations.

This policy is enforceable across all VHI offices, field sites, and digital platforms, and is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving legal requirements and best practices in gender equity. It complements VHI’s broader commitments to child protection, human rights, and inclusive development.

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03. Guiding Principles

Village Hope International (VHI) upholds the following principles to ensure gender equity is embedded across its governance, programs, and partnerships:

Non-Discrimination and Legal Compliance

VHI prohibits all forms of gender-based discrimination in accordance with:

  • U.S. federal law, including Title IX and the Civil Rights Act.

  • California state law, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

  • International standards, including CEDAW, and the UN SDGs.

Equity Over Equality

VHI recognizes that equal treatment alone does not address systemic disparities. The organization prioritizes gender equity, ensuring individuals receive the support and resources needed to achieve comparable outcomes regardless of gender identity.

  • Intersectionality

VHI acknowledges that gender intersects with other identities such as age, disability, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status and commits to addressing compounded vulnerabilities in its program design and delivery.

  • Participation and Representation

VHI promotes meaningful participation of individuals of all gender identities in decision-making processes, leadership roles, and community engagement. This includes proactive measures to elevate voices historically marginalized due to gender norms.

  • Safeguarding and Protection

Gender-sensitive safeguarding is central to VHI’s operations. The organization enforces zero tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, or gender-based violence, and ensures survivors have access to confidential support and redress mechanisms.

  • Capacity Building and Accountability

VHI invests in ongoing gender equity training for staff, volunteers, and partners. It also embeds accountability mechanisms including gender audits, feedback loops, and performance indicators to monitor progress and ensure continuous improvement.

  • Cultural Sensitivity and Local Relevance

While grounded in universal human rights, VHI’s gender approach is contextually adapted to respect local cultures and norms particularly in International Operations, without compromising its commitment to dignity, safety, and inclusion.

 

04. Policy Objectives

Village Hope International (VHI) adopts this Gender Policy to advance its mission through intentional, measurable commitments to gender equity.

The objectives of this policy are to:

Ensure Legal and Ethical Compliance

  • Uphold all applicable gender-related laws and regulations in the United States, California, and Internationally.

  • Align with international frameworks such as CEDAW, and the UN SDGs.

Promote Gender-Responsive Programming

  • Integrate gender analysis into the design, implementation, and evaluation of all education and healthcare initiatives.

  • Ensure equitable access to services, resources, and opportunities for individuals of all gender identities.

Strengthen Organizational Culture

  • Foster a workplace and volunteer environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from gender-based discrimination or harassment.

  • Promote gender balance in staffing, leadership, and decision-making roles.

Enhance Safeguarding and Protection

  • Prevent and respond to gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse within all VHI programs and operations.

  • Provide confidential, survivor-centered reporting and support mechanisms.

Build Capacity and Accountability

  • Equip staff, volunteers, and partners with gender equity training and tools.

  • Establish monitoring systems with gender-disaggregated data to track progress and inform strategic adjustments.

Engage Communities and Partners

  • Collaborate with local stakeholders to challenge harmful gender norms and promote inclusive development.

  • Advocate for gender equity as a core component of child protection, education, and health outcomes.

05. Implementation Framework

Village Hope International (VHI) operationalizes its Gender Policy through a structured framework that ensures integration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all programs and organizational functions.

Leadership and Governance

  • The Board of Directors and Executive Leadership are responsible for policy oversight, strategic alignment, and resource allocation to support gender equity initiatives.

  • A designated Gender Focal Point or committee will coordinate implementation, provide technical guidance, and report on progress.

Policy Integration

  • Gender considerations will be embedded into all organizational policies, including child protection, volunteer management, human resources, and program design.

  • All new and existing projects will undergo gender analysis during planning and review stages.

Staffing and Capacity Building

  • Recruitment, promotion, and retention practices will reflect VHI’s commitment to gender equity and diversity.

  • All staff, volunteers, and board members will receive mandatory gender equity and safeguarding training, tailored to their roles and regional contexts.

Program Delivery

Education and healthcare programs will be designed to:

  • Address gender-specific barriers to access and participation.

  • Promote inclusive environments for children and families of all gender identities.

  • Engage communities in challenging harmful gender norms.

Partnerships and Procurement

  • VHI will assess partners and vendors for alignment with gender equity standards.

  • Contracts and MOUs will include clauses requiring adherence to VHI’s Gender Policy and safeguarding protocols.

Communications and Advocacy

  • Internal and external communications will reflect inclusive, non-stereotypical representations of gender.

  • VHI will advocate for gender equity as a core component of child wellbeing and community development.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

  • Gender disaggregated data will be collected and analyzed across all programs.

  • Annual gender audits and stakeholder feedback will inform adaptive learning and policy refinement.

  • Progress will be reported to the Board and donors through transparent impact reporting.

 

06. Monitoring and Evaluation

Village Hope International (VHI) employs a rigorous Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) approach to ensure the effective implementation of its Gender Policy and to drive continuous improvement across all programs and operations.

Gender Disaggregated Data Collection

  • All programmatic data including enrollment, service access, outcomes, and feedback will be disaggregated by gender.

  • Data systems will be designed to capture the experiences of individuals across the gender spectrum, including non-binary and gender-diverse identities where contextually appropriate.

Performance Indicators

  • VHI will establish clear gender equity indicators aligned with program goals, donor requirements, and international benchmarks (e.g., SDG 5).

  • Indicators will assess access, participation, decision-making, and safety across education and healthcare services.

Annual Gender Audits

  • Internal gender audits will be conducted annually to evaluate policy compliance, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions.

  • Audits will include document reviews, stakeholder interviews, and field assessments.

Stakeholder Feedback Mechanisms

  • Beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and partners will have access to safe, confidential channels for providing feedback on gender-related issues.

  • Feedback will be analyzed and incorporated into program adjustments and policy updates.

Reporting and Transparency

  • Gender equity outcomes are included in VHI’s annual impact reports, board briefings, and donor communications.

  • Reports will highlight successes, challenges, and lessons learned, with a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Adaptive Learning and Policy Review

  • M&E findings will inform strategic planning, staff training, and resource allocation.

  • The Gender Policy will be reviewed biennially or sooner if required by legal or contextual changes to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.

 

07. Review and Update Protocol

Village Hope International (VHI) is committed to maintaining a Gender Policy that reflects current legal standards, organizational priorities, and evolving best practices in gender equity. To that end, the following protocol governs the review and update process:

Review Cycle

  • This policy will undergo a formal review every two years, led by the designated Gender Focal Point in collaboration with the Executive Team.

  • Interim reviews may be triggered by:

  • Changes in U.S. federal or California state law affecting gender equity or nonprofit governance.

  • Updates to international frameworks, including CEDAW, or UN SDG targets.

  • Significant programmatic shifts or feedback from stakeholders indicating gaps or emerging needs.

Stakeholder Engagement

The review process will include input from:

  • Staff, volunteers, and board members.

  • Program beneficiaries and community representatives.

  • Partner organizations and donors, where appropriate.

Documentation and Approval

  • Proposed revisions will be documented with a rationale and reviewed by VHI’s Board of Directors for approval.

Once approved, updated versions will be:

  • Circulated to all staff, volunteers, and partners.

  • Published on VHI’s internal and external platforms.

  • Integrated into relevant training and onboarding materials.

Version Control and Archiving

  • Each version of the Gender Policy will be dated and archived for reference.

  • A summary of changes will accompany each update to ensure transparency and traceability.

 

08. Annexes

Annex A: Key Definitions

To ensure shared understanding and consistent application of this policy, Village Hope International (VHI) adopts the following definitions:

  • Gender: The socially constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender-diverse people. Gender is distinct from biological sex and varies across cultures and time.

  • Gender Equity: The process of being fair to people of all genders by addressing historical and systemic disadvantages. Equity may involve differential treatment to achieve equal outcomes.

  • Gender Equality: The state in which individuals of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in all spheres of life.

  • Gender-Based Discrimination: Any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made based on gender that impairs the recognition or enjoyment of human rights and freedoms.

  • Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.

  • Intersectionality: A framework recognizing that individuals may face overlapping forms of discrimination due to gender, race, disability, age, socioeconomic status, and other identities.

  • Safeguarding: Measures to protect children and vulnerable individuals from abuse, exploitation, and harm, including gender-specific risks.

  • Gender-Responsive Programming: Programs that actively consider gender dynamics to promote equitable access, participation, and outcomes.

Annex B: Legal and Policy References

This policy is informed by and compliant with the following legal frameworks and standards:

United States and California

  • Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; Prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII); Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

  • California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA); Prohibits discrimination in employment and housing, including gender identity and expression.

  • California Nonprofit Integrity Act; Governs nonprofit accountability and transparency, including equitable governance practices.

International

  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); International treaty promoting gender equality.

  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5; Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

  • UNICEF Gender Action Plan; Guidance for gender-responsive programming in child-focused organizations.

Sectoral Standards

  • Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Gender Handbook; Best practices for gender in humanitarian action.

  • Sphere Standards; Humanitarian charter and minimum standards, including gender considerations.

  • Keeping Children Safe International Standards; Safeguarding benchmarks with gender-sensitive protocols.

Annex C: Implementation Tools and Templates

To implement this Gender Policy, Village Hope International (VHI) provides the following tools and templates. These resources are adaptable to both U.S. and International contexts and should be reviewed annually for relevance and effectiveness.

Gender Analysis Checklist

Used during program design, proposal development, and strategic planning.

Key Questions:

  • What are the gender roles, responsibilities, and power dynamics in the target community?

  • Are there barriers to access or participation based on gender?

  • How do gender norms affect education and healthcare outcomes?

  • Are there risks of gender-based violence or exploitation?

  • What mitigation strategies are in place to address gender disparities?

Application:  

Attach to all new program proposals and strategic reviews. Required for board approval of new initiatives.

Gender-Responsive Program Planning Template

Used to ensure gender equity is embedded in project design.

Sections Include:

  • Program objectives (with gender equity goals).

  • Target population (disaggregated by gender).

  • Activities (with gender-sensitive adaptations).

  • Indicators (gender-disaggregated).

  • Risk mitigation (including safeguarding protocols)

Application:  

Required for all field programs and donor-funded projects. Reviewed quarterly by program leads.

Gender Equity Reporting Format

Used for quarterly and annual reporting to donors, board, and stakeholders.

Includes:

  • Gender-disaggregated service delivery data.

  • Staff and volunteer gender composition.

  • Safeguarding incidents and responses (gender-related).

  • Community feedback on gender inclusion.

  • Progress against gender equity indicators.

Application:  

Integrated into VHI’s impact reporting and MEL systems. Required for all country offices.

Gender Audit Tool

Used for internal reviews and compliance checks.

Components:

  • Policy compliance checklist.

  • Staff and volunteer interviews.

  • Document review (HR, safeguarding, program files).

  • Community and beneficiary consultations.

  • Recommendations and action plan.

Application:  

Conducted annually by the Gender Focal Point or external auditor. Findings reported to the board.

Training Module Outline: Gender Equity and Safeguarding

Used for onboarding and refresher training.

Modules Include:

  • Understanding gender and intersectionality.

  • Legal frameworks and VHI policy.

  • Gender-based violence prevention.

  • Inclusive communication and representation.

  • Reporting and accountability mechanisms

Application:  

Mandatory for all staff and volunteers. Tailored versions available for U.S. and International teams.

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