Feminist research methodologies and development: overview and practical application

Abstract

This article provides a background on the feminist frameworks at the foundation of research conducted from a gender perspective, showing that development research that ignores the complex aspects of gender relations results in incomplete and/or biased research, which in turn leads to the formulation of incomplete development policies and programmes. The article goes on to explore the ways that feminist methodologies have been used in the development of gender sensitive indicators and measurements of change, examining the methods currently available for assessing progress on gender equality and how gender methodologies can be used to ensure that indicators better reflect gendered experience.