This factsheet helps duty holders working in emergency management to write gender impact assessment (GIA) recommendations. It builds on the Commission’s GIA toolkit (Step 4: Recommendation), providing sector-specific examples.
These examples can be shared through training, toolkits, or the intranet to support consistent practice. Staff can also use them as a guide when developing and writing their own recommendations.
You can download a copy of this factsheet at the bottom of this page.
What are SMART principles?
SMART stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Using SMART principles helps make recommendations clear, realistic, and easier to measure. While not required, recommendations that are not SMART are harder to track and evaluate.
Applying SMART principles to your GIA
After completing steps 1-3 of your GIA, you will need to make recommendations based on your findings. Unclear or unrealistic recommendations make it harder to create change.
Use these questions to test your recommendations:
- Specific: Is this clear? What needs to be done? Who will do it?
- Measurable: How will you know it is done? Can you track progress?
- Achievable: Can this be done with the available time, people, and funding?
- Relevant: Does it align with your team’s scope and your organisation’s goals?
- Time-bound: When will it be completed? Is there a clear deadline?
Step-by-step: Making SMART recommendations
Example: Community emergency planning workshop
An emergency management (EM) team completes a GIA on EM planning. They find that community workshops need to better address gender roles and support shared decision-making.
Write an initial recommendation: Based on the problem you are trying to solve and what the evidence is telling you, write an initial recommendation (do not worry if it is not ‘SMART’ at this stage).
The team writes a first draft based on the issue and evidence.
Example: Deliver community education on EM planning that promotes gender equality.Make it specific:
The team explains what they will do and who is responsible.
Specific example: The EM lead will deliver or support a community session on household emergency planning. The session will cover shared decision-making and traditional gender roles in emergencies.Make it measurable:
The team adds indicators so progress can be tracked.
Specific + Measurable example: The EM lead will deliver or support at least one community session on household emergency planning. The session will cover shared decision-making and traditional gender roles in emergencies.Make it achievable:
The team adjusts the scope, so the recommendation is realistic within budget, resources, and capacity.
Specific + Measurable + Achievable example: The EM lead will deliver, support, or add content to at least one existing community session on household emergency planning. The session will cover shared decision-making and traditional gender roles in emergencies.Make it relevant:
The team checks if the recommendation is within the organisation’s remit and the team’s capabilities. They also check if they need to partner with others or adjust the scope.
Specific + Measurable + Achievable + Relevant example: The EM lead will deliver, support, or add content to at least one existing community session on household emergency planning, in partnership with relevant organisations where needed. The session will cover shared decision-making and traditional gender roles in emergencies.Make it time-bound:
The team adds a clear deadline to support accountability.
Specific + Measurable + Achievable + Relevant + Time-bound example: By December 2026, the EM lead will deliver, support, or add content to at least one existing community session on household emergency planning, in partnership with relevant organisations where needed. The session will cover shared decision-making and traditional gender roles in emergencies.
SMART recommendation examples
Policy
Not SMART
Consider gender equality in emergency management.
SMART recommendation
By 30 June 2026, the EM lead will update the EM policy to:
- include how emergencies affect people of different genders
- include the needs of people with caring roles
- include examples of actions staff can take during response and recovery.
Not SMART
Increase focus on gender equality in emergency planning.
SMART recommendation
By 30 June 2027, the EM lead will update the EM policy and governance processes to:
- include ‘Gender and Emergency’ as a standing agenda item in relevant emergency planning and decision-making forums
- require regular discussion of gender impacts in planning and review activities
- assign responsibility for raising and tracking these discussions.
Program
Not SMART
Improve data collection to inform program development in emergency management.
SMART recommendation
By 30 June 2026, the EM lead will update its post-emergency community survey to:
- include a question on gender (with an option to self-describe)
- explain why this data is being collected
- test the updated survey in the next emergency or exercise.
Not SMART
Ensure communication about bushfire preparedness is inclusive of all community members.
SMART recommendation
By 30 November 2026, the EM team will review its bushfire preparedness materials and communications to:
- use imagery that better reflects the diversity of the local community (people of different genders, ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds), and challenges traditional stereotypes
- use gender-inclusive language such as ‘women, men and gender diverse people’
- ensure text is accessible and plain language using an editor like Hemingway App.
Service
Not SMART
Improve support for people experiencing family violence in emergency response and relief.
SMART recommendation
By 30 June 2027, the EM lead will update its approach to emergency relief services to:
- include a clear process for responding to disclosures of family violence
- ensure staff know how to connect people to specialist support services
- test this approach in at least one exercise or activation.
Not SMART
Ensure people with caring responsibilities in evacuation and relief centres are comfortable and supported.
SMART recommendation
By December 2027, the EM lead will strengthen support for people with caring responsibilities for children, particularly women, in Emergency Relief Centres. The existing checklist for operating Emergency Relief Centres will be updated to include:
- private feeding areas as standard.
- baby change facilities in all toilets to support carers of all genders.
- period products in all first aid kits and toilets.
Download a copy of this factsheet:
Updated