Adaptation, gender and the empowerment of women: an integrated approach

In Burundi, gender inequalities continue to restrict women's access to decision-making, resources and benefits (education, information, land ownership, time, jobs, credits, etc.) and the equitable distribution of tasks. Faced with this situation, women are becoming more vulnerable but are also excluded from efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

The ACCES project carried out a gender analysis in its intervention zones. The evaluation of the status of gender mainstreaming in planning and implementation of adaptation measures, in information and early warning systems and in Community Development Community Plans (PCDCs) yielded several recommendations. One recommendation was the CCA model household approach. The goal is that couples are trained in replicating the techniques, skills and experiences gained through the project within their respective CCA households, taking into account that women are powerful change agents and development and in order to empower women.

  • Human resources trained on gender and knowledgeable of Burundian culture and traditions (eg gender focal points)
  • Gender analysis as a basis for mainstreaming gender, carried out at all levels and in all fields of intervention.
  • Capacity building of the members of the communal gender platforms and its integration in risk analysis and assessment as well as in the information and early warning systems.
  • Training and sensitization of model households (training of awareness-raising agents) is an essential prerequisite for changing mores and attitudes.
  • Showing by example is probably the most appropriate method for initiating a change in men's perception of the role and responsibilities of women at the household and community level in general.
  • Producing a booklet as a training guide for model households helps capitalize lessons learned and is a product that will serve as a vehicle for future scaling up.
  • Focus on qualitative and not just quantitative aspects in order to grasp the social and cultural mechanisms that impede the empowerment of women is key (not only the number of women involved in activities is important but the processes of change within the household or community).