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10.3.2010 : 10:30 : +0100

Want to learn more about the actual effects of HeRWAI?

The Effect Measurement Report (HeRWAI 2009) discusses in detail the development of the introduction process of HeRWAI, the actual effects of the process and the achieved effects on women’s health rights. Users and trainers of HeRWAI have provided their insights on how the tool can be used most effectively. In addition it shows the learning process of how this tool went from an analysis tool only, to a way of thinking and realizing the rights based approach within women’s organizations.


HeRWAI Analysis Overview

A HeRWAI analysis consists of six steps. These can be used to analyse any policy that influences women's health rights. Each step consists of information and questions to guide the analysis. Explanations, examples and checklists facilitate the answering of the questions.

The analysis produces a set of recommendations to improve the impact of the policy, as well as an action plan to lobby for adoption of the recommendations and to raise awareness about the findings of the analysis. 

HeRWAI is developed by NGOs, for NGOs; in particular women’s organisations, health organisations and human rights organisations. It supports their advocacy to make governments accountable for the implementation of women’s health rights. Since the end of 2006, dozens of local and international NGOs have successfully applied HeRWAI in their work.

Why use HeRWAI?

Using HeRWAI to analyse a policy helps to:

  • gain a better understanding of the current situation;
  • make a direct link between policy and relevant human rights issues;
  • make an assessment of the human rights impact of the policies, both now and in the future;
  • form a conclusion about what the government should do and what your organisation can do to press the government into action.

How does it work?

The HeRWAI analysis is divided into six steps. Each of these steps consists of a brief explanation of the main human rights issues related, followed by a number of questions to guide the data collection and analysis. Explanations, examples and checklists help to answer the questions. A full HeRWAI analysis may take several months. You can limit the amount of time needed by strategically selecting the questions. Another option is to use the HeRWAI discussion guide, for a quick analysis of the main human rights issues, in up to two days.

Step 1 is to describe the policy, the affected groups of women and the rights involved. Step 2 is to find out which national and international treaties, agreements, policies and laws are relevant to the country and the policy under analysis. Step 3 is to describe which resources the government has to implement the policy and which factors limit or expand the implementation capacity. Step 4 is to describe effects (short and long-term) of the policy on women’s health rights. Step 5 is to establish which state obligations are relevant in relation to the impact of the policy. Step 6 is to develop recommendations and strategies to enhance the enjoyment of women’s health rights.

The result

The HeRWAI analysis results in a concrete set of recommendations to improve the impact of policy on women’s health. This is combined with an action plan to lobby for acceptance of the recommendations and raise awareness about the findings.

HeRWAI in practice

HeRWAI has been used by organisations from different parts of the world: among others Bangladesh, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, the Netherlands and Pakistan. Reports of organisations that have worked with HeRWAI can be found here.