I went to a panel on March 9, 2006, appropriately following International Women’s Day on Wednesday, which addressed the role of gender research in implementing change in societies around the globe. The discussion brought together leaders and supporters of NGOs and social development agencies from all over Washington, D.C. and beyond. The panel was sponsored by The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and InterAction, and also featured presentations from Oxfam America and The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Empowerment stems from changing deep-rooted attitudes about gender and the roles of men and women in global societies. As with any research, recognition of the problem is followed by planning initiatives and proper action, executing the research and evaluating its findings. Educating both sexes about these cultural norms is crucial to breaking down the stigma in many countries about discussing gender status. Community-based informational campaigns allow its members to gradually and naturally embrace changes in cultural definitions of status and individual equality.  

Organizations shared their experiences and outlined their modes of action in several areas of the world. The research was the base for improving economic and property rights for women, and translated into strategies for strengthened technologies, agricultural production and access to educational resources and health services.   

One highlight of discussion was IFPRI’s recent “Using Gender Research in Development” practitioner’s guide.

Challenges exist in countries which have struggling economic or social status internationally and rigid cultural views of gender. High rates of poverty and resource instability correlate instances of spousal abuse and murder –- research demonstrated some societies, in fact, have no term distinction for “femicide” – the death of a woman through violent acts – in their language. Initiatives in Ethiopia were cited as having little impact on development or women’s rights. 

Funding remains a struggle but a vital part of conducting research and planning development measures.

The panel provided lunch for the audience and an open discussion following the forum.