How to improve regional and local planning by applying a gender-sensitive analysis: examples from Sweden. Regional Studies. Regional development projects normally have gender-equality objectives, as these are recognized as one of the cornerstones of regional development. The success of gender-equality objectives is often analyzed by counting the number of men and women taking part in the projects. However, the extent to which this will enhance regional development is unclear and regional agents at a range of organizational levels express uncertainty about the most effective objectives and implementation measures. This paper proposes a way to assess the gender situation at the local level and, thus, to help enhance gender equality.