3. Conceptual and Analytical Framework This section outlines the theoretical foundations of a gender-just governance framework that redefines how power operates in public institutions. It treats gender as a relational and systemic construct—a set of norms and behaviors that shape who holds influence and whose needs are prioritized. By reframing vulnerability as a source of power, the framework enables the principles of Upward Agenda Setting and Horizontal Accountability to drive more equitable and responsive governance outcomes. 3.1. Gender-Transformative Continuum Effective governance requires gender equality to be at the heart of all policy. The Gender-Transformative Continuum below outlines a gradation of gender policy responses— ranging from the total absence of gender to the structural approach required to achieve fully equitable outcomes. This continuum helps identify why policies that merely acknowledge gender but fall short of equalizing power relations among gendered groups and between the state and citizens will continue to face roadblocks and pitfalls in achieving their equality goals. Gender negative: Denies or dismisses gender as relevant to governance; upholds policies and systems that reinforce patriarchy, exclusion and heteronormativity; continues male-dominated leadership without gender balance; silences or penalizes dissent from marginalized genders Gender blind: Claims neutrality but ignores structural gender inequalities; develops uniform policies without gender analysis or disaggregated data; assumes governance is equally accessible and beneficial for all; lacks mechanisms to identify or correct gender-based exclusions Gender sensitive: Recognizes that governance outcomes affect different genders differently; begins to collect sex­disaggregated data and conduct gender analysis; focuses on representation of diverse genders in consultative roles but without meaningful influence in decision making; identifies unequal access to power and resources but limits responses Gender responsive: Develops targeted programs or policies for gender-disadvantaged groups; creates quotas or reserved seats in governance structures; promotes gender representation in leadership; allocates resources but still framed within power hierarchies Gender transformative: Restructures power dynamics and institutions to address systemic inequalities; ensures full and equal participation and leadership across gender identities; mainstreams intersectional gender analysis in all governance mechanisms; embeds accountability mechanisms to track gender justice and transformation; fosters feminist leadership, care-centered policy models and co-creation of policies; challenges patriarchal, colonial and neoliberal governance norms; centers local agency and knowledge Gender negative Gender blind Gender sensitive Gender responsive Gender transformative 10 Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V.