During the implementation stage, sensitivity to gender and diversity in project operations will enable the CBA project to adequately address key needs of different groups.

USEFUL RESOURCE   CARE International Gender Equity Building Blocks This resource kit aims to facilitate the integration of gender equity considerations into the project cycle. It covers the entire project cycle, including the implementation stage, providing guidance, checklists and tools for mainstreaming gender equity into projects.

Implementation Step 5.1: Ensure that project logistics take into account needs and constraints of women and marginalized groups  

The CBA project’s logistics, such as location and timing of project activities, should take into account needs and constraints of women and marginalised groups. For example, the timing of the implementation of project interventions should be planned in a way that facilitates full and active participation of women and marginalised groups. Thus, capacity development activities should be held at times of the day and year when women and other special groups are not typically engaged in important household or community activities such as clan meetings. Finding a location for meetings and training activities where women and marginalised groups feel comfortable is also important.

The most effective way to ensure that project logistics take into account groups with particular needs is to ensure ongoing engagement of project stakeholders, particularly vulnerable groups, in planning project activities.

Implementation Step 5.2: Review human resource needs of female and marginalized staff members  

At community level, it is likely that there will be a number of project staff who come from the target area. Not only does this enhance the sense of ownership of the project by the community, but it could also help facilitate better understanding of the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the community. It is important to have a good mix of male and female staff working on the CBA project. This would facilitate more open communication and in-depth analysis on particular issues affecting men and women. In communities with groups that are marginalized, having staff from these groups can also help to ensure that the project works effectively with these groups.  

The project should ensure that female staff members are provided with the resources they need to carry out their work. For example, female community facilitators may need vehicles rather than bicycles to travel to communities in conservative areas. In addition, the project should ensure that all staff work in a safe environment and that special needs of women, such as for child care, are taken care of to promote efficiency in job performance.

Implementation Step 5.3: Support partners in increasing sensitivity to gender and diversity in management and operations  

The lead organisation should seek to embed positive principles and practices of sensitivity to gender and diversity among partners. This could be done through training, joint engagement in advocacy and social mobilisation, and support in organisational development. In addition, the learning-by-doing approach is an effective way of incorporating gender and diversity in project management and operations among partners. For example, through engagement in the CBA project, partner organisations could incorporate aspects of gender and diversity into their policies and other project implementation plans.

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