Gender Transformative Approach
Transformative policies and programs seek to transform gender relations to promote equality and achieve program objectives. This approach attempts to promote gender equality by 1) fostering critical examination of inequalities and gender roles, norms, and dynamics; 2) recognizing and strengthening positive norms that support equality and an enabling environment; 3) promoting the relative position of women, girls, and marginalized groups; and 4) transforming the underlying social structures, policies, and broadly held social norms that perpetuate gender inequalities.
A gender transformative policy or project therefore typically includes these characteristics:
- Promotes (and measures) gender equality outcomes across multiple levels, including individuals, households, and institutions;
- Advances the priorities and leadership of the people the policy or project aims to serve, especially those most marginalized by gender inequality and other systems of oppression;
- Recognizes the relational aspects of gender, engaging men and boys as stakeholders and agents of change while respecting the value of collective action among women and gender diverse individuals; and
- Applies evidence-based and promising practices to shift harmful gender and social norms and promote new, positive norms.
