Integrating Gender into ANCP Programming Effective Gender Approaches Engaging with both Men and Women ANCP programs that demonstrated the greatest impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment were those engaging with both men and women. In the first instance it was noted that these were the organisations working within a and development’ model rather than ‘gender the more traditional in development’ approach. Fundamentally this involved analysis ‘women and consideration of men and women’s roles and decision-making, in processes involving both men and women. Some programs (for example FPNSW/ CCT Sexual and Reproductive Health program) put men at the centre of their strategy with the underlying logic that it is often men whose behaviour and attitudes need to change to effect gender equality. Other ANCP NGOs nominated both male and female gender focal points to good effect, further emphasising that gender is everyone’s business; these focal points (men in particular) provided role models and access points for men wanting to know more about gender and decisionmaking. Context Specific Gender Analysis The Review emphasised the need for a sound understanding of cultural context and local gender realities. To influence and achieve lasting change, NGOs need to identify points’ ‘entry and gatekeepers for gender and work collaboratively with these key influencers. This analysis is critical to bring partners on the gender journey, enabling individuals in these organisations to become aware of their own assumptions and behaviours in the first instance. These processes take time and require the building of trust and legitimacy. Gender needs to be framed within the local context, connected to local issues of justice, fairness or safety to avoid the perception that is a foreign concept or construct. ‘gender’ Participatory Development (Good Practice) Traditional good practice community development is informed and addressed by genuine engagement with community members, who actively participate in the development process. During this they are challenged to consider and ultimately address some of the power differentials existing in communities. Fundamental to this is the process of empowerment where women (in particular) can become agents of their own change process. Participant ANCP ANGOs and in-country partners demonstrating the best success in integrating gender into their programs were using gender sensitive participatory methodologies. Where this was occurring, in-country partners were enthusiastic at using tools for planning and design, and (in some ‘new’ instances) evaluation. This integration of gender as just good practice development is critical, particularly where extra time and cost is required to ensure a sound process.
Integrating Gender into ANCP Programming Effective Gender Approaches Engaging with both Men and Women ANCP programs that demonstrated the greatest impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment were those engaging with both men and women. In the first instance it was noted that these were the organisations working within a ‘gender and development’ model rather than the more traditional ‘women in development’ approach. Fundamentally this involved analysis and consideration of men and women’s roles and decision-making, in processes involving both men and women. Some programs (for example FPNSW/ CCT Sexual and Reproductive Health program) put men at the centre of their strategy with the underlying logic that it is often men whose behaviour and attitudes need to change to effect gender equality. Other ANCP NGOs nominated both male and female gender focal points to good effect, further emphasising that gender is everyone’s business; these focal points (men in particular) provided role models and access points for men wanting to know more about gender and decisionmaking. Context Specific Gender Analysis The Review emphasised the need for a sound understanding of cultural context and local gender realities. To influence and achieve lasting change, NGOs need to identify ‘entry points’ and gatekeepers for gender and work collaboratively with these key influencers. This analysis is critical to bring partners on the gender journey, enabling individuals in these organisations to become aware of their own assumptions and behaviours in the first instance. These processes take time and require the building of trust and legitimacy. Gender needs to be framed within the local context, connected to local issues of justice, fairness or safety to avoid the perception that ‘gender’ is a foreign concept or construct. Participatory Development (Good Practice) Traditional good practice community development is informed and addressed by genuine engagement with community members, who actively participate in the development process. During this they are challenged to consider and ultimately address some of the power differentials existing in communities. Fundamental to this is the process of empowerment where women (in particular) can become agents of their own change process. Participant ANCP ANGOs and in-country partners demonstrating the best success in integrating gender into their programs were using gender sensitive participatory methodologies. Where this was occurring, in-country partners were enthusiastic at using ‘new’ tools for planning and design, and (in some instances) evaluation. This integration of gender as just good practice development is critical, particularly where extra time and cost is required to ensure a sound process.