The new minimum criteria for the DAC gender equality policy marker were introduced in December 2016. They provide recommendations for common minimum criteria for the three categories of the marker (score 0, 1 and 2). The recommendations are not binding but set a common benchmark that DAC members are encouraged to meet. The purpose of the minimum criteria is to ensure a common understanding among DAC member agencies of what is the minimum baseline for projects to qualify for a 0, 1 or 2 score; facilitate the scoring process by providing a ‘checklist’ of minimum criteria for each category; and strengthen the comparability and accuracy of the data reported by DAC members. For more information about the DAC gender marker, please also refer to the Handbook on the OECD-DAC gender equality policy marker