Gender Analytics for Innovation from Coursera

Gender Analytics is a way to analyze your products, services, processes and policies with a gender lens to uncover hidden opportunities for innovation and effectiveness.

We'll answer questions such as: Why are women 47% more likely than men to be injured when they get in a car accident? Why do financial products fail to meet women’s needs across their life cycles? Why will automation and AI be more likely to impact women than men? Why are gender-neutral policies are not necessarily gender-equal?

This is the introductory course in the 5-course Gender Analytics Specialization offered by the Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE) at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. In this course, you will build the foundations for conducting Gender Analytics. You will get comfortable with the concepts and terms associated with Gender Analytics, including sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and intersectionality. You will examine how policies, products, services and processes may have unintentionally gendered outcomes that miss out on opportunities or create needless risks. You will learn to uncover assumptions underlying these policies, products, services and processes, and to break social, cultural, and or organizational norms that perpetuate exclusion and inequality. You will see how Gender Analytics can lead to transformational innovations. You will also evaluate your own competencies and start your Self Development Plan and begin your journey to build a workplan for your own Gender Analytics project.

What's inside

Syllabus

Using Gender Analytics to create opportunities and mitigate risks

What is Gender Analytics? Why is it worth doing? In this week’s lessons, you will see examples of how Gender Analytics can create opportunities for growth and increased impact. You will also learn how this kind of analysis can help avoid downside risks. By the end of the week, you will be able to recognize how areas often considered “gender neutral” actually have gendered outcomes and explain why gender considerations are not an “add on” to the day-to-day activities but rather essential to organizational success.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops industry standard gender inclusive innovation practices and concepts

Applicable in all work environments, regardless of industry or type of company

Taught by expert instructors Sarah Kaplan, recognized for their work in gender and the economy

Offered by the Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE) at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management

Helps learners build a foundation in gender analytics concepts and terminology

Offers a self-assessment to help learners evaluate their current competencies and identify areas for improvement

Reviews summary

Foundational gender analytics for professionals

According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant and perspective-shifting introduction to Gender Analytics, lauded for its clear foundational concepts and actionable insights. Students appreciate the well-structured modules and the instructor's expertise, which equip them to identify gender biases and apply a gender lens in professional contexts. While many found it eye-opening and a strong starting point for the specialization, some noted that the pacing can be slow or repetitive. A portion of learners also wished for deeper analytical content or more quantitative examples, feeling it leans more towards awareness than deep analytical methodology.

Serves as a strong introductory course for the specialization.

"This is the introductory course in the 5-course Gender Analytics Specialization offered by the Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE)."

"A good foundational course. Overall, a positive experience and a good stepping stone for the rest of the specialization."

"It's a good starting point, but I'd hope for more advanced content in the specialization."

Well-organized modules with an expert, passionate instructor.

"The modules were structured logically, and the instructor's expertise shone through."

"Fantastic course! The instructor is brilliant, and the content is incredibly relevant for today's world."

"The modules are well-organized, and the instructors clearly passionate about the subject."

Focuses on applying concepts to real-world projects and work.

"I feel much better equipped to identify and address gender biases in my work."

"I appreciated the emphasis on practical application, especially the guidance on starting a Gender Analytics project."

"It's not just theory; it provides actionable insights. I came away with concrete ideas for applying Gender Analytics in my organization."

Provides a clear understanding of gender and its societal impact.

"This course was incredibly eye-opening! It completely shifted my perspective on how gender impacts products and policies."

"The foundational concepts were explained clearly, and the real-world examples really brought the theory to life."

"The course helped me understand the importance of considering gender in all aspects of business and society."

Pacing can be slow, with some content feeling repetitive.

"Sometimes, the pacing felt a bit slow, but overall, a valuable addition to my skill set."

"The concepts presented are important, but I felt some parts were a bit repetitive, especially in the early modules."

"I found some of the video lectures a bit dry, and the content could sometimes feel a little repetitive, particularly around definitions."

Some desire more quantitative or deeper analytical methods.

"I found the course to be somewhat superficial. While it introduced important concepts, it didn't delve deeply enough into the 'analytics' aspect."

"More quantitative examples or specific methodologies for analysis would have been beneficial. It felt more like an awareness course than an analytical one."

"The material covered the basics well, but didn't go as deep as I'd hoped."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gender Analytics for Innovation with these activities:

Review the concept of gender and its intersectionality

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Reviewing the concept of gender and its intersectionality will provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of gender and its impact on individuals and society.

Browse courses on Intersectionality

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Read the course syllabus and skim the first module
Explore the recommended readings and articles on gender and intersectionality
Take notes on key concepts and definitions

Refresh Basic Statistics Concepts

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Reviewing the basics of statistics will help you understand and apply the concepts of gender analytics more effectively.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review your notes from a previous statistics course or textbook.
Take practice problems on topics such as central tendency, variability, and probability.
Complete online quizzes or practice exams to test your understanding.

Organize and review course notes and materials

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Organizing and reviewing course notes and materials will help solidify understanding, improve retention, and facilitate future reference.

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Gather and sort notes, assignments, and other materials
Create a system for organizing and storing materials
Review materials regularly to reinforce learning

11 other activities

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Tutorial: How to Use Gender Analytics

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Follow a tutorial to become familiar with the basics of Gender Analytics and how to apply it in different contexts.

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Watch the video tutorial on the basics of Gender Analytics.
Complete the accompanying exercises to apply what you have learned.

Learn about Gender Identity and Intersectionality

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A deeper understanding of gender identity and intersectionality will enable you to conduct more inclusive and comprehensive gender analyses.

Browse courses on Gender Identity

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Watch videos or read articles that explain the concepts of gender identity and intersectionality.
Take an online course or workshop on these topics.
Engage in discussions or forums to share your perspectives and learn from others.

Gender Analytics Resource Compilation

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Create a comprehensive list of resources, tools, and frameworks for Gender Analytics to support your learning and future projects.

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Review course materials for resources on Gender Analytics.
Conduct online research to find additional resources.
Organize the resources into a document or spreadsheet.

Join a Gender Analytics Study Group

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Joining a study group will provide you with a supportive environment to discuss course material, share insights, and collaborate on projects.

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Find other students who are taking the course and interested in forming a study group.
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
Take turns leading discussions and presenting your understanding of the course concepts.

Practice identifying gendered outcomes

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Practicing identifying gendered outcomes will enhance the ability to recognize and address gender biases in policies, products, services, and processes.

Browse courses on Gender Bias

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Review the examples provided in Module 3
Analyze real-world examples to identify gendered outcomes
Discuss findings with peers or a mentor

Gender Analytics Discussion Group

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Join or start a discussion group with peers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and get feedback on your Gender Analytics projects.

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Find or create a discussion group focused on Gender Analytics.
Actively participate in discussions by sharing your perspectives and asking questions.

Gender Analytics Case Study Analysis

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Analyze real-world case studies to develop your skills in identifying and addressing gendered outcomes in products and services.

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Select a case study that demonstrates the impact of Gender Analytics.
Analyze the case study using the Gender Analytics framework.
Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.

Develop a Gender Analytics Case Study

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Creating a case study will allow you to apply the principles of gender analytics to a real-world situation and gain practical experience.

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Choose a specific product, service, or policy to analyze using a gender lens.
Collect data and conduct research to identify gender biases or disparities.
Develop recommendations for how to address these issues and promote gender equality.
Present your case study to your peers or colleagues for feedback and discussion.

Connect with Gender Analytics Professionals

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Connecting with professionals in the field of gender analytics can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and opportunities.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Attend industry events or conferences where you can meet professionals working in gender analytics.
Reach out to professors, researchers, or practitioners in the field and express your interest in their work.
Request informational interviews to learn more about their experiences and career paths.

Participate in a Gender Analytics Hackathon

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Participating in a hackathon will challenge you to come up with creative and innovative solutions to gender-related issues.

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Find a hackathon that focuses on gender analytics or a related topic.
Form a team with other participants who share your interests.
Develop a solution that addresses a specific gender-related challenge.
Present your solution to a panel of judges and compete for prizes.

Create a presentation on gender stereotypes and their impact

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Creating a presentation on gender stereotypes and their impact will provide an opportunity to synthesize knowledge, develop communication skills, and raise awareness about the topic.

Browse courses on Gender Stereotypes

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Research and gather data on gender stereotypes
Develop a presentation outline and storyboard
Create visuals, slides, and a compelling narrative

Career center

Learners who complete Gender Analytics for Innovation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst analyzes market trends and consumer behavior to help businesses make informed decisions about product development, marketing, and sales. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to analyze data with a gender lens, which can provide valuable insights into the needs and preferences of different consumer groups. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to create more inclusive and effective marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development, launch, and ongoing management of a product. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to design and develop products that are inclusive and meet the needs of all users. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with product development.

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User Experience (UX) Designer

A UX Designer is responsible for the design and usability of products and services. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to design products and services that are inclusive and easy to use for all users. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with product design.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to analyze data with a gender lens, which can provide valuable insights into the needs and preferences of different consumer groups. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with data analysis.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and expertise to businesses on a variety of topics, including gender equality and diversity. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to provide informed and effective advice on these topics. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with consulting.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies for governments and other organizations. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to develop and analyze policies with a gender lens, which can help to ensure that policies are inclusive and equitable. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with policy development.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

A Nonprofit Program Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nonprofit programs. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to design and implement programs that are inclusive and meet the needs of all participants. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with program development.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Manager is responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion strategies for organizations. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to design and implement strategies that are effective and inclusive. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Gender Studies Professor

A Gender Studies Professor teaches and conducts research on gender and its intersections with other forms of identity and inequality. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to conduct research and teach courses on gender. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with gender studies research.

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Journalist

A Journalist reports on current events and issues for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to report on gender equality and diversity issues with accuracy and sensitivity. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with journalism.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker provides support and services to individuals and families who are experiencing challenges. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to provide support and services to individuals and families who are experiencing gender inequality or discrimination. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with social work practice.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to clients. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to provide legal advice on gender equality and diversity issues. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with legal practice.

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Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for the recruitment, hiring, and development of employees. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to create and implement HR policies and practices that are inclusive and equitable. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with HR management.

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Economist

An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to conduct economic research on gender equality and diversity issues. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with economic research.

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Public Policy Analyst

A Public Policy Analyst develops and analyzes public policies for governments and other organizations. Taking the Gender Analytics for Innovation course can help you develop the skills necessary to develop and analyze public policies with a gender lens, which can help to ensure that policies are inclusive and equitable. This course will also help you understand how to use Gender Analytics to identify and mitigate risks associated with public policy development.

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