“There is still something missing”: comparing a gender-sensitive and gender-transformative approach in Burundi

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents a comparative perspective on a gender-transformative model for gender equality, versus a gender-sensitive approach, both of which were integrated into a gender and agriculture development intervention in Burundi. The gender-transformative approach followed an iterative cycle of critical reflection and action to analyze gender inequalities and build women’s solidarity and collective action. It also engaged men equally in the processes of critical reflection and action. The participants found that the gender-sensitive approach initiated some important community discussions about gender, but participants in the gender-transformative approach spoke about farther-reaching and potentially more sustainable gender norm changes. This paper presents qualitative findings on participants’ perceptions of change and discusses the implications for implementing community-led, gender-transformative approaches in the agriculture sector.