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

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative perspective on a gender-transformative model for gender equality, versus a gender-sensitiveapproach, both of which were integrated into a gender and agriculturedevelopment intervention in Burundi. The gender-transformativeapproach followed an iterative cycle of critical reflection and action toanalyze gender inequalities and build women’s solidarity and collectiveaction. 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, butparticipants 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.