The constantly evolving concept of gender equality and integrating a gender transformative approach (GTA) into impact evaluation does not just bolster programme effectiveness, it is also a critical step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
This approach goes beyond addressing symptoms of gender inequality; it seeks to reshape the underlying power dynamics and societal structures that perpetuate gender disparities. In this blog, we explore the significance of GTA in impact evaluation, its core principles, and practical steps for its implementation.
Understanding the GTA
Adopting GTA in social impact programmes aims to create an equitable society by transforming social norms, attitudes, and behaviours that reinforce gender inequalities. Unlike gender-sensitive or gender-responsive approaches, which acknowledge and address gender issues, a gender-transformative approach actively seeks to change the power dynamics and structures that sustain gender-based discrimination by challenging harmful gender norms and roles, addressing imbalanced power dynamics, transforming discriminatory structures and systems and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Importance of GTA in Impact Evaluation
Impact evaluation is a systematic process for assessing the outcomes of a project or programme. By incorporating a gender-transformative lens, evaluators can ensure that gender considerations are included and prioritised. This approach enables a more comprehensive understanding of how interventions affect different genders and helps design strategies that promote gender equality.
GTA allows for a comprehensive analysis of the root causes of gender inequality rather than just the symptoms, leading to creating more effective and sustainable solutions. The inclusive participation of men and women, as well as non-binary individuals, in the evaluation process, ensures diverse perspectives and enhances the relevance and effectiveness of interventions. Applying a gender-transformative lens holds stakeholders accountable for promoting gender equality. It encourages evaluating policies and programmes based on their ability to address and transform gender norms and power relations.
Core principles of applying GTA in Impact Evaluation
Intersectionality: Recognising that gender intersects with other social categories such as race, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation to understand the full impact of interventions on different groups.
Power dynamics: Analysing how power relations between genders are affected by the intervention. This involves examining who has decision-making power, who benefits from the intervention, and who may be left out.
Structural change: Focusing on changing institutional structures that perpetuate gender inequality. This might include legal frameworks, economic systems, and cultural norms.
Sustainability: Ensuring that interventions are designed for long-term impact, promoting sustainable changes in gender relations and power structures
Six steps to integrating GTA in Impact Evaluation
1. Develop a gender analysis framework
Developing a comprehensive framework for gender analysis can be integrated into all stages of the evaluation process. This framework should include tools for assessing gender norms, power relations, and the differential impact of interventions on various genders.
2. Build capacity
Provide tailored training to evaluators and stakeholders on gender transformative methodologies. This should include understanding gender concepts and power dynamics, as well as how to apply these in the context of impact evaluation.
3. Apply participatory methods
In the evaluation process, use participatory evaluation methods to involve beneficiaries, especially marginalised groups. Techniques such as focus group discussions, community mapping, and participatory rural appraisal can be effective.
4. Collect and analyse gender-disaggregated data
Collecting and analysing data disaggregated by gender will help understand how interventions affect different genders and identify any unintended consequences.
5. Establish feedback mechanisms
Establishing feedback mechanisms that allow for continuous learning and adaptation is important and can include regular consultations with beneficiaries and stakeholders, ensuring that the intervention remains relevant and effective in promoting gender equality.
6. Advocate and influence
Use findings from the evaluation to advocate for policy changes and to communicate the importance of gender transformative approaches to a broader audience. This can help in scaling up successful interventions and in influencing broader societal change.
Case Study: Transforming Education in Rural Communities
A practical example of a gender transformative approach in impact evaluation can be seen in a GBV prevention project of UNICEF in humanitarian settings. Traditionally, gender-based violence (GBV) is rampant among women and girls, especially in humanitarian settings like South Sudan and Somalia, where instability and displacement increase risks. An evaluation incorporating a gender transformative approach would not only assess the number of girls facing GBV but also examine the harmful social norms exposing them to GBV and exploitation, the power dynamics within families and communities, and the broader structural barriers such as unsafe environment and fragility of humanitarian settings.
Launched in 2013, ‘Communities Care’ is a holistic programme aimed at GBV prevention, using a feminist public health approach to foster safer communities. It challenges harmful social norms through community dialogues and promotes new norms supporting gender equality and safety. Active in Somalia and South Sudan, the programme partners with local communities to provide survivor-centred care and transform harmful norms. Evaluations show significant reductions in GBV-related norms and increased support for reporting and survivor care. The evaluation also tracks changes in gender norms and power relations over time, ensuring that the intervention leads to sustainable and transformative change.
Adopting a gender transformative approach in impact evaluation is essential for promoting gender equality and achieving sustainable development goals. By focusing on power dynamics, structural change, and sustainability, this approach ensures that interventions do not just address the symptoms of gender inequality but work towards eliminating its root causes. Through comprehensive gender analysis, inclusive participation, and continuous learning, evaluators can drive meaningful and lasting change in gender relations.
Contributor: Ananya Asad, Research & Evaluations Specialist, Consult KM International
consultkm.org 