Participation and Development with Gender short course concentrates on core issues in gender relationships and covers approaches adopted in applied development work, and provides study fellows with opportunities for initial experience of essential practical and analytical skills. It starts with a thorough introduction and exploration of gender concepts and issues, beyond the usual cursory definitions. Relationships between different interested parties are fundamentally gendered, and in addition to careful study of biological and social bases for gender roles, responsibilities and needs, the course includes relationships analysis related to gender empowerment. Practical frameworks and other analytical and planning methods are introduced, with a critical perspective. Participatory methods are considered and tested in field work, so that study fellows can experience the potential for meaningful information gathering relating to relationships and other gender issues and for improving communication between development workers and local people to tackle gendered development concerns.
Conflict management is included.
Sectoral themes such as sexual and reproductive health rights, income and livelihoods, agriculture and rural development, education, environment and natural resource management or urban poverty reduction are included in the course depending on the profile and needs of the course participants. The 10 week course broadens the context within which study fellows explore gender issues in practical development work and policy, including further attention to participatory approaches in gender, multiple dimensions of gender, gendered relationships. There is a wide range of study visits and field work providing extensive opportunities for study fellows to develop skills and deepen their conceptual and methodological knowledge, incorporating greater opportunities for guided individual study and tailored assignments. The introduction will also provide an overview of reading materials and a first opportunity to scan core texts and reading packs. On the first Tuesday you will be asked to present to the whole short course group on the subject of Gender in your organisation, and your own role within this, outlining your key interests and likely future professional activities on returning to post.