Dialogues on gender identities and power relations

Gender Equality

Human Rights & Civ. Soc.

Central America

problem & solution

During our work we have come to understand that gender identities are social constructs that is culturally transmitted and sustained by the patriarchal system that promotes and perpetuates gender inequality and discrimination. The challenge is that gender roles in society define how we are expected to act, speak, dress, groom and behave.

The solution was to use the methodology of Popular Education ('Educación Popular') to organise dialogues, discussions, trainings on the issue of gender identities and power relations in the everyday lives of women.

the experience

Following key steps were taken:

Facilitating trust and a participatory and harmonious atmosphere for the women in the group.
Get to know the group's view on what they consider to be characteristic of men and women.
Reflecting on the differences and similarities between men and women based on the sex/gender concept and other key concepts.
Discussing the fair distribution of resources and social power in society. This refers to fairness in the treatment of men and women, according to their respective needs, as well as fair valuing of the different jobs that women and men do, especially in parenting, caring for the sick and housework.

01

Challenges

01

Not having sufficient financial resources to keep sustaining the group's work
Entrenched gender roles

02

Impact

02

Increased engagement of women showing an attitude of empowerment towards themselves
Alternative female role models have been recognised

03

Lessons Learned

03

The economic, social, and cultural dimension of gender roles and norms have to be recognised in all projects
The methodology of Popular Education is a good way to to bring concepts closer and to engage in open dialogues
In the field of social projects, ex-post evaluation is the most useful method and has had the widest application

Realisation period 2023

Location Managua, Nicaragua

Contact Maria Felix Arauz