Feminist approaches to action research

Gender Inclusive Framework and Theory (GIFT) GIFT refers to conceptual models and analytical approaches that explicitly recognise and incorporate gender as a critical factor in understanding social phenomena. These frameworks go beyond binary notions of male/female and aim to understand how gender intersects with other identities (e.g., race, class, age, disability) to shape experiences, access to resources, opportunities, and power relations. Key Components of a Gender Inclusive Framework and Theory: 1. Recognition of Gender as a Social Construct: Gender is understood not as a biological given but as a product of social norms, expectations, and power dynamics. 2. Intersectionality: Rooted in Black feminist theory, this emphasises how gender intersects with other identity markers to create unique experiences of oppression or privilege (e.g., Crenshaw, 1989). 3. Power and Agency: Examines how gendered power relations affect people’s ability to make decisions, access opportunities, and influence outcomes. 4. Structural and Institutional Analysis: Explores how laws, policies, education systems, and cultural norms reinforce or challenge gender inequalities. 5. Transformative Potential: Goes beyond inclusion by aiming to transform systems and structures that produce gendered disparities. 6. Participatory and Inclusive Methodology: Advocates for research and interventions that actively involve marginalised genders in the design, implementation, and evaluation stages. Examples of Gender Inclusive Frameworks: 1. Gender Analysis Frameworks (e.g., Harvard Analytical Framework, Moser Framework, Gender at Work) 2. Intersectional Feminist Theory 3. CARE’s Gender Equality Framework 4. UN Women’s Gender Equality Framework 5. Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) Applications: i). Policy development (e.g., gender-sensitive budgeting) ii). Program design (e.g., inclusive education or health interventions) iii). Research (e.g., analyzing gendered impacts of climate change or technology) iv). Monitoring and Evaluation with gender-disaggregated data and qualitative indicators. UoN Anthropology and Gender Students Association, Institute for Faith and Gender Empowerment (IFAGE), Isiolo Gender Watch (IGW), Institute for Gender and the Economy, Gender, Work & Organization, Gender Equity Policy Institute (GEPI), ADB Gender, CGIAR Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, HBS Race, Gender & Equity Initiative, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Global Unit for Feminism and Gender Democracy, Gender and Environment Data Alliance (GEDA), Gender DEI, Gender & Health Hub, Gender Unit | Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network, Women's Empowerment Link, Women Business Hub - Nonprofit Social Enterprise Organization, Women On Boards Network Kenya, Women Educational Researchers of Kenya, UN Women, African Women Rights Advocates, European Network of Migrant Women (ENOMW), WIDE+ (Women in Development Europe+)

💡 Forced migration extends far beyond the act of displacement, it reveals deeper crises rooted in gender inequality and power imbalances. Women and LGBTQ+ refugees face unique challenges like gender-based violence and exploitation, yet their needs are often sidelined in mainstream research. A feminist lens helps uncover these hidden injustices, showing how systemic inequality and intersecting factors like race and class shape the experiences of displaced individuals. Feminist research goes beyond highlighting problems; it creates pathways for inclusive, community-driven solutions. Centering the voices of those most affected is essential. Displaced women and marginalized groups must be active participants in shaping the policies and support systems that impact their lives. 📣 If you're looking to integrate feminist and intersectional approaches into your research, my Mini Guide: Research for Advocacy & Systemic Change* can help. It offers key insights on conducting research that leads to actionable, systemic change. Download it here: https://lnkd.in/dRmGWD_9 Let’s work together to ensure our research and advocacy are inclusive, impactful, and just. 💪🏽💪🏿💪🏼 #intersectionality #research #GenderEquality

Some reflections on feminist research from our recent work: Before I share these thoughts, I want to say upfront I am no expert. I am learning through my everyday work, interactions, and collective experiences. These reflections stem from co-authoring the paper “Urgent Imperatives: Advancing Gender Equality in Climate Action” with my colleague Saumya Shrivastava. The roots of this work lie in a commitment to social change generating new knowledge, and ensuring that the concerns of women, especially those facing intersectional vulnerabilities, are truly at the center. It felt natural to ground this research in feminist principles as it came from lived experience, collective need, and a desire to challenge systems rather than tick boxes in neoliberal academia. The framework we developed is not static, it is imagined to be tested, adapted and reshaped with time and context. It has been an osmotic process that seeps into our shared thinking and practice. One of the most powerful tools for this was "listening" 👂 : not just as a method, but as a relational practice. We listened deeply, online and in-person, to the women whose experiences are often missing from dominant discourses. We asked open-ended questions, and held space for pauses, silences and stories without steering people to neat conclusions. The conversations that shaped this framework were diverse, honest, and often pushed us to reflect critically on our own assumptions. It was also challenged and strengthened through dialogue with those, whose voices are critical for a truly gender-transformative approach.  Feminist research means centering methodologies that expand our own understanding and create space for those rendered invisible by our institutions and action. 📄 You can read more about the methodology we adopted, here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gGn6QrJP #FeministResearch #GenderEquality #ClimateAction #ListeningAsPractice #TransformativeFrameworks