THEORY OF SYSTEMS AS A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK To comprehend the

relationship between gender mainstreaming and gender equality, I have applied systems theory, a
framework with its origins in biology but broad applicability across disciplines. A theoretical
framework is furnished to elucidate and forecast phenomena. Its purpose is to direct interest
towards the various interconnected systems inhabited by complex living organisms. This theory
operates under the fundamental premise that a system is composed of interconnected individuals
that form the whole, and that the boundaries of such a system are either predetermined or
arbitrary. By differentiating it from other social systems with which it interacts, the boundaries
endow a social system with its identity and focal point. This theory places significant emphasis
on the interconnectedness and reciprocal reliance of components within the system. Additionally,
the diversity and complexity of the factors that can influence a particular human behavior are
emphasized. When examining the research question of whether gender mainstreaming promotes
gender equality, one can define gender equality as the threshold for this system. Subsequently,
all elements that intersect within this context, including economic factors, religious and cultural
practices, political situations, and general social conditions, can be considered to be part of the
system. A chain reaction can be triggered by a modification in one of the system's components,
compelling the system to recalibrate and regain equilibrium. Efforts to mainstream gender
identity can be perceived as a transformative shift that is anticipated to cause a domino effect on
the social, political, economic, and even religious structures of society. It is assumed that gender
mainstreaming would result in gender equality in a linear fashion. Incorporating gender equality
into society However, that is an overly simplistic perspective. Numerous systems theory-based
factors interact with and within the aforementioned two relationships. For instance, in order for
gender mainstreaming to result in equality, a multitude of actors and phenomena engage in a
potentially negative and positive feedback cycle. There may be policies, laws, and other factors
at play, in addition to individuals who may oppose or support the changes. 17 The
implementation of gender mainstreaming may give rise to anticipated and unforeseen
transformations within the equality system due to the reciprocal influence of the various
relationships within the system. The concept of equality can be observed across various domains,
including politics, society, culture, and religion. By integrating gender considerations into
mainstream discourse, distinct chain reactions can occur across all sectors. Gender equality is a
multi-layered, open system that is dependent on various other systems. To discourse on equality,
one must examine the interrelationships and mutual reinforcement of legal, cultural, political,
religious, and social institutions and structures within a given society. According to research
conducted by Soren Augustinsson and Ulf Ericsson (2008) on sustainable work systems and
complexity, the issue of sustainability and change is fundamental to the comprehension of
complexity. According to theories of complexity and systems, endeavors that seek to manage,
oversee, and fortify established patterns that generate stability and predictability may present
challenges in adhering to the attributes that are deemed essential for sustainable work systems.
They utilized systems theory in their research to comprehend stability and change in
organizational work systems. According to Stacey (2000), this is predicated on the fact that
thriving organic systems are nonlinear. Comprehending their nature requires an examination of
the intricate interrelationships that exist among all the variables comprising the system.
According to Agustinsson and Ericsson (2008), the feedback mechanism that promotes stability
and equilibrium is negative in nature. Positive (reinforced) feedback facilitates transformations...
When a complex operation generates energy, both types of feedback occur concurrently. This
suggests that any changes that transpire within the system have the potential to be either
beneficial or detrimental, and the system attains stability when these opposing forces are in
equilibrium. 18 The introduction of gender mainstreaming into such a system ought to generate a
cascade of events and both positive and negative feedback loops throughout all subsystems.
Whether it is positive or negative, it will alter the relationships between system participants and
the subsystems (political, social, cultural, legal, and so forth) that comprise the system. Stability
within the system may consequently necessitate a revision of laws, policies, and other relevant
components. Certain system actors might oppose the modifications in an effort to preserve the
status quo. Consequently, the assertion that mainstreaming promotes gender equality is
predicated on the feedback mechanisms that ensue as a consequence of the mainstreaming
approach. This thesis seeks to determine the degree to which gender mainstreaming has occurred
in this specific context.