Integration of gender transformative approaches for equitable and resilient livelihoods southern Africa
Gender transformative approaches (GTAs) are crucial in development, humanitarian, and conservation work due to converging global threats like climate change, biodiversity loss, and conflict, which disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in developing economies. Evidence reveals significant gender differences in resilience capacities and preferences for addressing these challenges, making gender transformation—ensuring equal rights for men and women—essential for resilient development. This process involves evaluating and redistributing power, and addressing inequalities perpetuated by social norms, societal dynamics, and institutional control, which significantly influence vulnerability and responses to shocks and stressors. The working group of researchers, advocates, and practitioners used a gender equality framework to examine resilience, the role of gender transformation in resilience building, and its contribution to equitable livelihoods among small-scale farmers in Southern Africa. Through reflection, synthesis, and narrative-building, they demonstrated the practical value of integrating GTAs into programs and practices, identifying key pathways to achieving equitable and resilient livelihoods in an increasingly insecure world.
Working group members
- Caitlin Shannon, CARE
- Christine Lamanna, World Agroforestry Centre – ICRAF
- Amanda West, CARE
- Chikondi Chabvuta, CARE
- Ellen Matupi, Rural Women’s Assembly, Malawi
- Karl Deering, CARE
- Patience Mgoli-Mwale, CARE
- Sithembile Mwamakamba, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
- Thokozani Kalanje, University College Cork
