The gender aspect
DMCDD, members and partners wish to work for men and women’s equal rights, access to resources and influence within our own organisations, in local communities and regionally, nationally and within the sectors where we work. It is thus important to conduct research of how an activity influences the relationship between men and women. These analyses should be part of the preparation for any given development intervention.
Traditionally, gender activities within the partner organisations have aimed at supporting women’s income-generating activities. Local, regional and national levels could interact in these activities. DMCDD believes that women still need their own platform from where to address other parts of society. However, this successful focus on women’s work should in future be supplemented by a focus on how gender equality can become an interest of both gender particularly men. Furthermore we aim to supplement our focus at the level of individual women and their groups with a focus on the society, locally, regionally and nationally.
The following four principles should be guiding for future DMCDD interventions:
1. Dialogue
DMCDD members and partners work to foster open and respectful dialogue and mutual understanding between the two genders in all development interventions and at all levels.
2. Participation
DMCDD members and partners do their utmost best to make room for equal participation in real terms - creating platforms for bigger room of manoeuvre and access to decision-making on joint issues (and not just passive/ formal representation) - at all levels and for both genders.
3. Mutuality and responsibility
DMCDD members and partners respect each gender as responsible change agents. men are duty-bearers for women’s rights as women are duty-bearers for men’s rights. Change processes, positively affecting the life and work conditions of the one gender should always receive active support and responsible action from the other gender as well. Men’s and women’s time and resources should be considered equally valuable for joint development.
4. Role models - walk the talk
DMCDD members and partners take upon themselves to sincerely act as visible role models for each other in all interactions. As (moral) duty-bearers for men and women’s rights, DMCDD members and partners aim to be more outspoken advocates for securing the rights of women and men and equal access to resources and influence.
A thematic review of the gender aspect of DMCDD’s Mini-programme V was carried out in 2006/2007. Based on the review, a new gender strategy was worked out in 2007.
Download: Gender review report and DMCDD Gender strategy.
