By: Eleonora Banfi, Researcher and Al Nahda Women Studies Manager at RSC
In July I had the opportunity to travel to Rwanda for the Gender Transformative Approaches (GTA) Masters Training delivered by Rutgers, which addressed critical questions concerning gender equality, power relations, diversity, and human rights. This hands-on training, designed to give participants practical skills and strategies for advancing gender equity, provided me with enriching insights and experience.
Gender-sensitive programs requires just as much theoretical knowledge as practical skills in communication, negotiation, and advocacy. The collaborative nature of this training fostered a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, emphasizing the value of collective learning and problem-solving. It demonstrated how working with a diverse group of practitioners led to innovative solutions and deeper insights into niche, relevant issues
Since I began working at ARDD in 2023, my understanding of how to apply gender theories has undergone a radical shift. In Jordan, I learned the importance of contextualizing and localizing these theories for proper and effective work with communities. This experience taught me that applying gender theories effectively requires a deep understanding of local cultures, norms, and power dynamics to bridge the gap between theory and practice. ARDD’s focus on tailored interventions allowed me to see firsthand the need for nuanced approaches that respect local beliefs while advancing gender equity.
A Practical Paradigm Shift
This training was eye-opening. Unlike the predominantly theoretical focus of other approaches, the GTA training was highly interactive and practice oriented. The group of participants was formed by gender experts and practitioners from all over the world. This diversity was essential to really understand how gender theories can be implemented in different cultural and social contexts, allowing for a translation of theory into practice. During our discussions, we realized that one of the most challenging aspects was how to introduce sensitive topics to communities. We realized that, in every country, cultural norms and beliefs can significantly hinder the ability to openly discuss certain issues. Understanding these kind of dynamics is essential not only to develop effective strategies but also to create our own language and narrative in a way that resonates with the community. Cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness are crucial in implementing gender transformative approaches. Indeed, at ARDD we have been working on localization for a decade, showing the importance of tailored approaches that respect specific cultural and social environments.
Bringing theories to practice
Throughout the training, the evolving nature of gender theories was a central theme. Engaging with practitioners who actively apply these concepts in the field revealed the changing nature of gender studies. Theories that might seem fixed in academic texts are actually being constantly challenged and refined in practice. This iterative process between theory and practice ensures that gender transformative approaches remain relevant and effective in different contexts.
As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the IDS Master’s program on Gender and Development that I took part in 2019, I’ve found myself reflecting on the lessons each of these experiences has offered me. The IDS program has been critical in shaping my understanding and approach to gender studies. Yet, it is the combination of theory, and the practical skills that equipped me effectively to drive sustainable, impactful change. Comparing these two experiences, it’s clear that while the IDS program broadened my theoretical perspectives, my work experience highlighted the critical need to bridge theory with practice.
The Master’s has been a transformative experience, offering me a deep dive into feminist theories and gender analysis. It employed an interdisciplinary approach that allowed me to explore how gender theories intersect with global issues like economic empowerment, political economy, and social justice. The opportunity to engage with colleagues and faculty from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds enriched my learning experience, exposing me to various cultural contexts and gender dynamics. Class discussions were often wide-ranging, providing a global comparison of gender issues.
However, while the academic experience was crucial in building a strong theoretical foundation, it often felt abstract and disconnected from real-world applications. The theories and debates, though intellectually stimulating, needed to be grounded in practical, localized settings. This is where my last years' experiences proved to be essential by bringing theory to life and emphasizing hands-on experience, allowing me to apply gender concepts in diverse cultural contexts directly.
In conclusion, the journey from academic theory to practical application has underscored the vital role of bridging these two domains to achieve meaningful progress. It demonstrates that while theoretical knowledge provides a foundational understanding, practical skills and contextual awareness are essential for translating theory into impactful actions. The iterative process of refining and adapting gender theories in diverse cultural settings ensures that interventions remain relevant and effective.
