Get to know Gender Transformative Approach
Get to know Gender Transformative Approach
Gender inequality, resulting in discrimination and violence, is a root cause of the HIV epidemic worldwide. A sustainable approach to tackle gender inequality is by implementing a Genders Transformative Approach (GTA). Working in a gender transformative way requires changing the policies, norms and practices which underlie gender inequality. This means addressing gender relations, issues of power and violence, and tackling the discrimination girls and women, and LGBTQ+ persons face in terms of their opportunities, resources, services, benefits, decision-making, and influence. Continue reading to get to know GTA, an engine for gender equality.
Aidsfonds' renewed Big Picture (2020) is out now! Access the full guide on how to develop a gender transformative approach in HIV programming, filled with approaches, exercises, case studies and loads more. Download guide
Involving all facets of society
Transformative approaches seek change at all levels, from personal and intimate relationships up to community and societal levels. For example, a transformational approach would seek to empower the schoolgirl to report her headteacher for sexual abuse and have the community accept her doing so, while also creating the mechanisms by which he would be disciplined.
The woman reliant on trading sex as part of her livelihood would be able to access skills training, financial assistance and other resources for developing an alternative livelihood, or have the ability to use a condom in all sexual encounters if she opted to continue selling sex. And the woman and her husband would have a more equitable relationship in which they could negotiate condom use without fear, in a context in which marital rape and gender-based violence are punished.
If we are to achieve higher and sustained levels of change we need to go beyond being gender-sensitive. We need to transform the harmful gender norms that sustain gender inequality and lead to poorer HIV and sexual and reproductive health.
Role of men
It is important to engage men and boys to achieve gender equality because transformative change will only take place with and by the entire community. Additionally, gender transformative approaches can lead to increases in violence against women. When women begin to take a greater role in decision-making and challenge how power is distributed, those with more power may feel their status is being threatened and respond with violence. This is another reason why it is important to engage men and boys in working towards gender equality.
Working towards a solution
Gender-based discrimination and inequality are complex. Therefore, gender transformative approaches are often complex, keeping in mind various intersecting factors. There is no single strategy or ‘magic bullet’ for promoting gender equality. For example, microfinance is sometimes considered a solution to the problems of poor women. While access to finance can make an important contribution to household finances and well-being, it does not automatically empower women.
This Sunday 8 March 2020, we'll share our new Aidsfonds Big Picture. A document filled with Gender Transformative Approaches, best practices, exercises and case studies. Keep an eye on this page
Read more about 8 Days for Gender Equality
For 8 days, from Zero Discrimination Day (1 March) to International Women's Day (8 March), Aidsfonds raised awareness for gender equality with our 8 Days for Gender Equality Campaign. Each day we covered strategic action that can be taken against gender inequality fueling the AIDS epidemic. We invite everyone to help spread awareness. Join the movement on Twitter by sharing your own experience and approaches on gender equality and HIV using the hashtag #GenderEqualityandHIV.
Aidsfonds' renewed Big Picture (2020) is out now! Access the full guide on how to develop a gender transformative approach in HIV programming, filled with approaches, exercises, case studies and loads more. Download guide