4.4. Principles Guiding the Policy The policy is underpinned by the following set of principles which shall guide its implementation: Gender Justice in all sectors of development: Gender Justice forms the critical ingredient of this policy. Gender justice takes a rights based approach, where, as elaborated in the Constitution, both men and women shall enjoy equal rights defined in the bill of rights. Noting further that, in pursuit of addressing disparity through advancing one sex, the processes should not ultimately marginalise or prejudice the other or result in reverse discrimination. Affirmative action: Notwithstanding the principle of gender justice, this policy acknowledges that measures (legislative or others) designed to advance sex disadvantaged by previous unfair discrimination may be taken. As such, affirmative action shall be pursued for more rapid and efficient progress towards redressing gender inequality particularly where targets have to be met within set timeframes. Integration of Gender Perspectives in all Aspects of Development: All multi-sectoral actors (state and non-state) shall take appropriate actions to address gender inequalities within their areas of mandate in line with this policy. This entails among other things, development of sector specific gender policies aligned to the National Gender Policy, integrating the gender perspectives in planning, policy making, programme designs, monitoring and evaluation and pursuing collaborative partnerships where necessary. Enhancing the capacities of development personnel to systematically address gender in their work becomes a central tenet of this principle. Broad Based and Inclusivity: This principle calls for the appreciation of all forms of social, economic and political differences, (age, religion, disability, cultural, educational, language, economic, geographical and any form of differences). It seeks to engage stakeholders across all sectors and to benefit men, women, boys and girls from all levels and of all backgrounds and to make special consideration of certain marginalised groups when necessary. Peace and Harmony at Family and Community Level: Peace and harmony at family and immediate community is a fundamental ingredient of positive outcomes from this policy. Peace and harmony at family level contributes to fair appropriation, ownership and control of productive assets among men, women, boys and girls at both community and family levels. It also contributes to meaningful participation in decision making and activities for development. 12