Introduction

In the pursuit of sustainable and equitable development, Gender Mainstreaming in Development Projects is no longer an optional add-on but a fundamental, non-negotiable approach. It involves systematically integrating gender equality concerns into all stages of project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, recognizing that development outcomes are inherently shaped by the distinct roles, needs, and power dynamics between women, men, and other genders. By explicitly considering gender perspectives, projects can ensure that benefits are equitably distributed, unintended negative consequences are avoided, and the root causes of inequality are addressed, leading to more effective and impactful interventions. Without a deliberate focus on gender mainstreaming, development efforts risk perpetuating existing inequalities, overlooking vulnerable populations, and failing to achieve their full potential for transformative change. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Gender Mainstreaming in Development Projects.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower program managers, project coordinators, M&E specialists, policy advisors, and all development practitioners with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate gender mainstreaming effectively throughout the project cycle. Participants will gain a deep understanding of gender concepts, explore various analytical frameworks for identifying gender inequalities, learn about designing gender-sensitive interventions, and acquire skills in monitoring and evaluating gender outcomes. The course will delve into topics such as gender analysis tools, gender-responsive budgeting, sex-disaggregated data, safe programming, women's empowerment, engaging men and boys for gender equality, and assessing the gender impact of projects. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Gender Mainstreaming in Development Projects, participants will be prepared to design, implement, and manage initiatives that actively promote gender equality, enhance social justice, and contribute to more sustainable and inclusive development outcomes.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Program Managers and Coordinators in development organizations
• Project Officers and Field Staff
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
• Policy Advisors and Researchers
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Gender Equality Specialists (for deeper engagement)
• Community Development Practitioners
• Human Resources Professionals in development
• Government Officials involved in development planning
• Consultants working with NGOs and development agencies.

Objectives

• Understand core concepts of gender, gender equality, and gender mainstreaming.
• Learn to conduct a comprehensive gender analysis for development projects.
• Acquire skills in designing gender-responsive objectives, activities, and indicators.
• Comprehend techniques for integrating gender into project budgeting and resource allocation.
• Explore methodologies for monitoring and evaluating gender-specific outcomes and impacts.
• Understand the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders in gender mainstreaming efforts.
• Gain insights into addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and ensuring safe programming.
• Develop a practical understanding of best practices and challenges in gender mainstreaming.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundational Concepts of Gender and Development

• Defining sex, gender, gender roles, gender identity, and gender equality.
• Understanding gender equity, empowerment, and intersectionality.
• The importance of gender equality for sustainable development.
• Overview of international frameworks and commitments to gender equality (e.g., SDGs, CEDAW).
• Distinguishing between gender-aware, gender-sensitive, gender-responsive, and gender-transformative approaches.

Module 2: Principles and Practice of Gender Mainstreaming

• Defining gender mainstreaming and its evolution in development practice.
• Why gender mainstreaming is critical for effective and equitable projects.
• The difference between gender mainstreaming and women-specific projects.
• Roles and responsibilities in gender mainstreaming across an organization.
• Case studies of successful and challenging gender mainstreaming efforts.

Module 3: Gender Analysis Tools and Frameworks

• Introduction to various gender analysis frameworks (e.g., Harvard Analytical Framework, Moser Framework).
• Steps in conducting a gender analysis: data collection, analysis, interpretation.
• Identifying gender roles, responsibilities, access to and control over resources.
• Understanding gendered power relations and decision-making processes.
• Utilizing sex-disaggregated data (SDD) and gender-sensitive indicators.

Module 4: Gender-Responsive Project Design and Planning

• Integrating gender into needs assessments and problem analysis.
• Developing gender-sensitive objectives, outcomes, and activities.
• Applying the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) with a gender lens.
• Designing participatory approaches that ensure women's and marginalized groups' voices are heard.
• Considering potential unintended negative gender impacts.

Module 5: Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Resource Allocation

• Understanding the concept and importance of gender-responsive budgeting.
• Analyzing budgets from a gender perspective: who benefits, who pays.
• Allocating resources equitably and effectively to address gender inequalities.
• Tracking gender-specific expenditures and investments.
• Practical exercises in integrating gender considerations into project budgets.

Module 6: Gender-Sensitive Monitoring and Evaluation

• Developing gender-sensitive performance indicators (outputs, outcomes, impacts).
• Collecting and analyzing sex-disaggregated data and qualitative gender data.
• Integrating gender into M&E plans, tools, and methodologies.
• Evaluating the gender impacts of projects: intended and unintended.
• Learning from gender-specific findings for adaptive management.

Module 7: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Safe Programming

• Understanding the forms and impacts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
• Principles of safe programming: Do No Harm, confidentiality, safety, non-discrimination.
• Identifying and mitigating GBV risks in project design and implementation.
• Referral pathways for GBV survivors.
• The role of development actors in GBV prevention and response.

Module 8: Engaging Diverse Stakeholders and Promoting Transformative Change

• Strategies for engaging women, men, boys, and gender non-conforming individuals for gender equality.
• Promoting male engagement as allies for gender equality.
• Addressing cultural norms and power dynamics that perpetuate inequality.
• Building local capacity for gender analysis and mainstreaming.
• Moving towards gender-transformative approaches that challenge harmful norms and structures.

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 5 working days before commencement of the training.