In each country in which the project functions, an initial workshop is held that explores with the participants a methodology for bringing meaning into exploring gender issues. Organizing that knowledge in the current social context Visioning that knowledge in a future social context Developing lines of action that lead from the present incrementally to the future. Key to the process is the meaningful use of knowledge. The methodology throughout is a systematic application of the consultative process. Not only has it validated the above but the cooperative process is more suited to gender issues.
Women work better in groups.
In each of these workshops the trainers utilized are highly skilled both in the content area and as trainers. A variety of methodologies are used and the evaluations of the training program have indicated universal approval. Only one problematic area has emerged which is the use of research as a decision-making tool. In reality, projects are characterized by the absence of such opportunities on a regular basis during implementation. Most of the communities in which the project functions are composed of semi-literate or illiterate persons who have consulted and made decisions before but have never formalized the gathering of information on which these decisions are based.