Gender-Transformative Research Toolbox

Developed by the CGIAR Community of Practice on Gender-Transformative Research Methodologies (GTRM CoP), this toolbox builds on collective learning and exchange among gender researchers across CGIAR and beyond. 

The tools support reflexive, participatory, and inclusive research practices that engage different levels—from individuals to communities and organizations—conversely addressing power, agency, and institutional dynamics. 

The toolbox is flexible and adaptable, allowing users to mix, match, and tailor tools to different research contexts, and it continues to evolve through piloting, adaptation, and shared learning.

Many gender research methods focus on diagnosing inequality without actively supporting gender-transformative outcomes, often relying on extractive research practices and limited engagement with communities. While gender-transformative approaches have demonstrated strong potential to shift power relations and social norms, they frequently lack systematic data generation and robust analysis. 

The GTRM Toolbox responds to this gap by combining the strengths of rigorous research methods and gender-transformative approaches to support evidence-based learning, accountability, and scaling of effective practices.

The GTRM Toolbox is intended for researchers and practitioners working in development, education, human resources, and community settings who aim to generate gender-transformative change in partnership with the people they work with. 

Users can select tools based on their objectives and intervention level, using them as step-by-step guides or as inspiration to adapt and design their own methodologies. 

As a living resource, the toolbox invites users to share feedback, adaptations, and translations to strengthen future editions and collective learning.