Page 8 - GESI Framework

Gender Equality and social inclusion framework

5. A Systematic Approach to Promote
a Transformation within Gender and
Social Inclusion

Worldwide, there is a growing recognition that being
“gender aware” is insufficient.⁴

For significant sustainable change to happen, institutional
and systemic transformations related to gender and
power need to occur. Taking steps to foster a gender
transformative approach enables deeper change at both
the individual and societal levels by facilitating policy
change supported by implementation mechanisms, such
as budgeting or programming. A transformative approach
moves away from treating the symptom of gender
inequality and focuses instead on challenging structures
that reinforce exclusion. It stems from a recognition that
changing deep-seated patriarchal norms and values is not
limited to communities and families. It also needs to be
tackled within institutions and systems that often A deeper investigation of multiple overlapping differences
perpetuate gender inequalities. Successful gender- and inequities is needed while ensuring that all people
transformative approaches move beyond targeting the regardless of sex, ethnicity, ability and other vulnerabilities
typical ministries such as Gender and Social Development can all derive benefits. It also requires moving away from
to ensure the broadest sectoral reach including the one-off interventions and headcounts toward actions that
Ministry of Finance and Water. demonstrate concrete changes in gender relationships and
power structures. There is a need for collective
To do so requires tackling fundamental changes at all engagement including implementing measures such as
levels of society and across all sectors on an ongoing training and awareness raising to ensure that everyone
basis. As illustrated in the diagram below,⁵ it requires buys into and engages with the merits of applying a gender
approaches and actions that move along the Gender and social inclusion lens throughout the project cycle or at
and Social Inclusion Continuum. These approaches all levels of an institution. Gender-transformative
should range from minimum compliance on actions that
address women’s practical and reproductive needs, to approaches need to be grounded in strong gender analysis
empowerment of women to enable them to access and an understanding of local contexts. It therefore
decision-making opportunities. They should culminate requires the application of a GESI lens to all of CIWA’s work
in transformative change where broader gender while ensuring that all program staff and partners have a
relationships and power structures are addressed well-developed understanding of GESI and its applicability
through collective action. to the transboundary water management context.

Minimum compliance Empowerment
Transformative
Gender-aware Practical Access to assets change
Needs and Vulnerabilities and opportunities

Addresses broader
Programs that Programs that build gender relationships
assets, capabilities
and power structures
address basic needs and opportunities for including social norms
and vulnerabilities of women and with collective action
women and girls
marginalized groups for influencing the
enabling environment

⁴ “Gender Equality” International Development Research Center, April 2020.
⁵ Framework developed by Caroline Moser with Social Development for the FCDO-funded Infrastructure and Cities for Economic Development (ICED) Facility.
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