Research Methods for Gender Inclusive Policy

Participatory Research Toolkit: Empowering Communities to Measure Social Norms (#2, Research) This toolkit is a very rich resource for practitioners. Developed by #UNFPA and #UNICEF, provides invaluable resources to achieve this. It marks the culmination of SBC research conduct over many years. Why Participatory Methods? Participatory research methods empower participants by engaging them in discussions about complex and sensitive topics. This toolkit brings together nine participatory tools, offering practical guidance and examples to qualitatively measure social norms. Key Tools and Their Uses: Body Mapping: Visual aids help assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the body and mind. This method is particularly useful for understanding experiences related to physical and psychosocial factors. Cannot Do, Will Not Do, Should Not Do: Categorizes behaviors to reveal the reasons behind restrictions. This helps in identifying structural barriers, personal norms, and social norms. Complete-the-Story: Uses vignettes to allow participants to indirectly express their attitudes and intentions. This method is effective for discussing sensitive topics without asking participants to directly disclose their experiences. Free Listing: Participants list terms and concepts related to a given prompt, revealing how they conceptualize specific domains. This method is useful for formative research and understanding attitudes and norms. Gender Boxes and Gender Jumble: These tools measure gender norms and examine how gender impacts attitudes and behaviors. They are essential for research focused on the existence and influence of gender norms. Lifeline: Identifies normative cultural practices and provides a timeline of key life events. This tool is useful for research using a life-course perspective. Social Network Mapping: Visually represents reference groups across different levels of the social ecological model. This tool helps understand communication flow and social support within networks. 2x2 Tables for Social Norms: Measures the components of social norms (injunctive and descriptive norms, behavioral expectations, attitudes, and social rewards and sanctions) to understand norms on a deeper level. Real-World Applications: What is great about this toolkit is that provides examples of the tools have been used: .g. how Body Mapping was used to understand the physical and psychosocial risks of FGM in Ethiopia. This comprehensive guide shows that by leveraging these participatory methods, we can design more effective, culturally relevant programs that foster positive social change. My congratulations to the authors for pulling this incredibly useful set of tools together. Imagine using a tool called “Gender Jumble”. I can’t wait! #SocialNorms #ParticipatoryResearch #CommunityEngagement #BehaviorChange #ProgramDesign #UNFPA #UNICEF #TransformNorms Naveera Amjad Cäcilia Riederer

Gender-sensitive data collection and estimation are essential for producing statistics that reflect the realities of both women and men. This training module was developed under the Asia-Pacific Network of Statistical Training Institutes to provide statisticians, researchers and civil society with practical guidance on integrating gender perspectives into data processes, from collection to estimation and analysis . This module covers the following key aspects: – Rationale and learning objectives for mainstreaming gender in data systems – Integration of gender considerations in censuses, administrative records, registries and household surveys – Specific guidance for time-use surveys and violence against women surveys, addressing design, sampling and interviewer training – Common gender biases in data processes and strategies to minimise them through careful design and training – Methods for gender data estimation, including identifying research questions, applying international standards and developing tabulation plans – Use of internationally agreed metadata and repositories (UNSD, ILO, WHO, UNESCO, FAO) to align concepts and methods – Recommendations for multi-level sex disaggregation and intersectional analysis across population groups The content emphasises that gender must be integrated at all stages of statistical work—from questionnaire design and sample selection to interviewer training and coding—to avoid bias and ensure relevance. By using international standards, engaging gender specialists and applying careful disaggregation, the module equips practitioners to generate more accurate, inclusive and policy-relevant gender statistics that can inform sustainable development and social equity.

This isn’t a theory book on gender mainstreaming. It’s a hands-on manual built for policy professionals. It includes... 10-Step Gender Mainstreaming Approach → A clear roadmap from problem identification to monitoring and evaluation—adaptable to any policy area. Entry Points Across the Policy Cycle → Learn where and how to integrate gender: from planning and budgeting to implementation and review. Sector-Specific Application → Detailed guidance for: ✔ Health ✔ Education ✔ Environment ✔ ICT ✔ Trade and industry ✔ Governance and justice ✔ Peace and security Practical Tools and Checklists → Use-ready templates for stakeholder analysis, gender budgeting, and results-based management. Guidance on Political Will and Institutional Change → Tips for engaging leadership and building accountability—so gender integration isn’t just symbolic. Intersectional and Inclusive Focus → Encourages analysis that includes age, ethnicity, disability, and other overlapping forms of exclusion. Plain Language, Real Examples → Designed for busy professionals—not academics. Case examples and simplified language make the concepts stick. #GenderMainstreaming 🔔 Follow me for similar content