Introduction

Effective gender programming requires a nuanced understanding that goes beyond a singular focus on "women" or "men." Intersectionality provides a critical lens, recognizing that individuals experience gender alongside other social identities such as race, ethnicity, class, disability, sexual orientation, age, and geographic location. These intersecting identities create unique and compounded experiences of discrimination, marginalization, and privilege, profoundly shaping an individual's access to resources, opportunities, and power. Without an intersectional approach, gender programs risk being ineffective, inadvertently excluding the most vulnerable, or even exacerbating existing inequalities by applying a one-size-fits-all solution. This essential training course focuses on Intersectionality in Gender Programming, equipping participants to design truly inclusive and impactful interventions.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip development professionals, humanitarian actors, policymakers, and advocates with the theoretical grounding and practical tools to embed intersectionality into all stages of gender programming. Participants will learn how to conduct comprehensive intersectional gender analysis, design programs that address multiple layers of disadvantage, and develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks that capture diverse outcomes. The course will delve into topics such as power dynamics, systemic discrimination, ethical data collection for intersectional analysis, and strategies for fostering inclusive participation. By mastering the principles and methodologies of intersectionality in gender programming, participants will be empowered to create more equitable, relevant, and transformative initiatives that genuinely leave no one behind.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Gender Program Managers and Officers
• Development and Humanitarian Practitioners
• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists
• Social Justice Advocates and Activists
• Researchers in Gender and Development
• Policy Analysts and Planners
• Civil Society Organization Leaders
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Professionals
• Human Rights Defenders

Course Objectives

• Understand the foundational concept of intersectionality and its origins.
• Analyze how intersecting social identities create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.
• Learn to conduct a comprehensive intersectional gender analysis.
• Develop skills in designing gender programs that are truly inclusive and responsive to diverse needs.
• Acquire methodologies for monitoring and evaluating gender programs through an intersectional lens.
• Comprehend the power dynamics and systemic inequalities that shape lived experiences.
• Explore strategies for ethical data collection and information management in intersectional programming.
• Identify and address potential biases in programming that can exclude marginalized groups.
• Examine best practices and case studies of intersectional gender programming.
• Develop a practical action plan for applying intersectionality in their specific work context.
• Enhance advocacy skills for inclusive and equitable development approaches.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Intersectionality

• Defining intersectionality: history, key concepts, and origins (Kimberlé Crenshaw).
• Moving beyond single-axis analysis: why "gender" alone is not enough.
• Understanding intersecting identities: race, class, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, geography, etc.
• Analyzing power and privilege through an intersectional lens.
• The transformative potential of intersectionality for social justice.

Module 2: Applying Intersectional Lens to Gender Dynamics

• How gender is shaped by other social categories.
• Recognizing diverse experiences of women, men, and gender-diverse individuals.
• Identifying compounded discrimination and multi-layered marginalization.
• Challenging universalizing assumptions in gender programming.
• Case studies illustrating intersectional gender realities.

Module 3: Intersectional Gender Analysis (IGA)

• Principles and methodologies for conducting IGA.
• Tools for identifying intersecting inequalities and power dynamics.
• Collecting and analyzing disaggregated data (sex, age, disability, ethnicity, etc.).
• Participatory approaches in IGA: centering lived experiences.
• Ethical considerations and do no harm in IGA.

Module 4: Designing Intersectional Gender Programs

• Needs assessment and problem identification with an intersectional lens.
• Developing inclusive program objectives and theories of change.
• Ensuring programs address the root causes of multiple disadvantages.
• Tailoring interventions to specific groups and their unique contexts.
• Budgeting and resource allocation for intersectional programming.

Module 5: Inclusive Participation and Engagement

• Strategies for ensuring meaningful participation of marginalized groups.
• Addressing barriers to participation (e.g., accessibility, safety, language).
• Fostering equitable power dynamics in community engagement.
• Building authentic partnerships with grassroots organizations.
• Facilitating intergroup dialogue and coalition building.

Module 6: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) with Intersectionality

• Developing intersectional indicators for program outcomes and impacts.
• Collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative intersectional data.
• Gender-sensitive and intersectional evaluation methodologies.
• Ensuring accountability for reaching the most marginalized.
• Learning from intersectional experiences to refine programming.

Module 7: Addressing Systemic Discrimination and Bias

• Recognizing unconscious biases in program design and implementation.
• Identifying institutional and structural barriers perpetuating inequality.
• Strategies for transforming discriminatory policies and practices.
• Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.
• Advocating for systemic change informed by intersectional analysis.

Module 8: Intersectionality Across Development Sectors

• Intersectional approaches in health programming (e.g., sexual and reproductive health).
• Education: addressing multiple barriers to learning.
• Economic empowerment: inclusive livelihood strategies.
• Humanitarian action: protection and assistance in complex emergencies.
• Governance and human rights: ensuring inclusive representation and justice.

Module 9: Challenges, Best Practices, and Future of Intersectional Programming

• Common challenges in implementing intersectionality (e.g., capacity, data, resistance).
• Documenting and scaling up best practices from diverse contexts.
• Fostering organizational culture that embraces intersectionality.
• The role of technology in advancing intersectional inclusion.
• Visioning a future of truly equitable and transformative development.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training