Thirty years of gender mainstreaming: Evolution, development, and future research agenda through a bibliometric approach

While gender mainstreaming (GM) is globally recognized as a key strategy for realizing gender equality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the evolution and development of GM research have yet to be analyzed. This article fills this gap in knowledge by undertaking a bibliometric analysis of the GM literature based on 1590 documents extracted from two of the most extensive databases, Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). Our findings reveal a significant growth in GM research since 1997, particularly between 2017 and 2022. Global North countries, such as the UK, Spain, and the USA, lead GM research output, while the Global South countries, except South Africa and India, have a relatively small share in this field. International collaboration in GM research appears weak, with most countries collaborating within their own borders and geographical vicinity. GM has predominantly been researched in relation to public policy and decision-making, while research involving international human rights, peacekeeping, higher education, teaching, and curriculum is still developing. These emerging themes offer opportunities for researchers to align their future research agendas within GM. • Gender mainstreaming (GM) was introduced as a strategy to address gender inequality and facilitate progress toward sustainable development. • WSIF is among top three journals presenting GM research. • Global North leads GM research output while Global South has a relatively small share in this field. • GM research has predominantly been researched in relation to public policy and decision-making. • Future research on GM may prioritize broader themes within human rights, higher education, teaching, and curriculum.