Approach and Methodology
Non-prescriptive, Collaborative, Dialogic, Holistic
Approach and Methodologies
Our approach is collaborative (we work with our organizational partners), dialogic (a learning process for all parties), non-prescriptive and evolutionary (we start with partner experiences and with the idea that they are experts in their particular contexts) and holistic (we engage the whole person: mind, body and spirit). To support our approach we use an action-learning process, which provides facilitated, structured reflection that enables our organizational partners to learn as they do: to set goals for their change projects, to expect those goals to change and for the projects to get refined throughout the development and implementation, with a view to creating the best outcomes for the organization and the community it serves.
"We saw the important and very crucial point which was not dictating or changing our minds swiftly but through action learning. Based on that we learned a lot through various means, we unfolded new energy within us with which we can overcome cultural barriers, we discovered new skills, knowledge and self awareness and new understanding about our context.” (Horn Program Participant)
“My new insights: … Altering the change project according to the lessons learned and the experience we had in the field. This flexible planning and review makes my change project the best.” (India Program Participant)
Tools
Supporting our methodologies are our proven tools – the Gender at Work integral framework, as well as our Mind, Body and Spirit practices (exercises that help reduce anxiety). The framework helps organizations look at/uncover “deep structures” – the largely unexamined or invisible values and mindsets that underpin informal culture, and which inform their organization's embedded values, as well as the mindsets within the communities they serve. The analysis that emerges through our framework helps organizations build more effective gender-equality planning and implementation. The mind, body and spirit work helps reduce anxiety so that workshops roll out in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
Gender at Work also introduces different documentation tools for reflection and learning throughout the CSO Strengthening Program, most often writing, but digital storytelling will also be added to the toolkit.
