This slideshare will attempt to outline the importance and application of gender sensitivity in field research.

1. Gender
Sensitivity in
Field Research
Meysoon Amin
University of Guelph
EDRD6000: Qualitative
Analysis
March 10, 2014

2. Outline
 Gender vs. Sex
 Issues in Traditional Research
 Introduction to Gender Sensitive
Research
 Tools and Tips for using Gender Sensitive
Research
 Application: Rio Tinto Case Study
 Summary

3. Gender vs. Sex
Gender Sex
 Gender refers to the socially
constructed difference
between men and women
 Acquired identity that can
vary according to: time,
culture, social class, religion
and region
 Sex refers to the biological
difference between men
and women
 Determined by genetic and
anatomical characteristics-
biologically fixed
 Very limited concept
Source: The World Bank (2013)
Gender differences
Sex differences

4. Issues with Traditional
Research
Traditional
research is often
gender blind,
which is an
obstacle to
participatory
and sustainable
development
Experiences and
contributions of men
and women are
unequally valued—
Aspects associated
with masculinity are
viewed as being
more important
Ethical Issues:
contributions and
perspectives of
women are commonly
underestimated and in
some cases
undocumented
Results in important
aspects of the problem
or situation remaining
unclear—incomplete
picture of the
problem, which may
lead to
misunderstandings
The lack of gender
sensitivity in
traditional research,
can lead to unequal
opportunities,
segregation and
discrimination

5. Gender Sensitive Research
What is Gender
Sensitive
Research?
• Research that considers gender to be a significant variable
in environmental and developmental studies (Leduc, 2009)
• Emphasizes the perspectives, contributions and needs of
both men and women
• Pays attention to the similarities and differences between
men and women’s experiences and viewpoints—gives
them equal value
Benefits
• Gender sensitive research methodologies are more
participatory in nature and can include a wider
demographic of people
• Capable of empowering marginalized people, especially
women, by acknowledging and valuing their contribution
• Integrating a gender perspective can improve the
relevance, coverage, and quality of research which can
lead to more effective and efficient solutions

6. Tools and Tips for using Gender
Sensitive Research
Gender sensitive research
should identify the impacts
of proposed solutions on
men and women; their
workload, access to
resources, social status as
well as power dynamics.
Gender dimensions are
incorporated into every
aspect of the research
design:
• Problem identification
• Formulation of
conceptual and
analytical framework
• Methodology
• Analysis
• Dissemination of results
Source: European Commission. Directorate-General for Research (2009)

7. Tools and Tips for using Gender
Sensitive Research
Formulate gender sensitive research question
Should address how men and women are being/might be affected by the
issue and how they are involved (Leduc, 2009)
Formulate conceptual framework reflecting gender experiences
Avoid male bias and assumptions about gender roles and capacities.
Ensure a realistic and inclusive approach (Leduc, 2009)
Determine if gender is a significant variable
Any research that involves or affects humans should consider the realities of
both men and women (CFIR, 2013).

8. Report Data in a Gender Sensitive Way
Always use gender sensitive language in the report. Remember to include different
perspectives when defining concepts. And lastly, avoid biased and prejudice
terminology, as well as overall generalizations (Leduc, 2009).
Collect and Analyze Gender Disaggregated Data
Examine the differences in men and women’s: reproductive roles and tasks, division of
labour and responsibilities, power relations, social status, as well as access to and
control over resources, at the household or community level (EU, 2009)
Develop Gender Sensitive Methodology
Use participatory methods that are inclusive (equal representation of both men and
women), respectful, accountable and context-dependent. They should reflect
people’s perspectives and viewpoints (Leduc, 2009).
Examples: in-depth household interviews, gender disaggregated mapping and focus
group discussions

9. Case Study: Rio Tinto in Mongolia
Background:
The Ivanhoe-Rio Tinto Mining Committee wanted to introduce a mining complex into
the Aimag Umnugovi area of Mongolia. Stakeholders were interested in assessing the
social, economic and physical impact of the mines. As such, they conducted a
gender sensitive baseline study to understand the cultural context of the area.
Case Study:http://www.riotinto.com/rio-
apps/riotinto_operationmap/pdf/Case_study_3_%20Rio_Tinto_in_Mongolia.pdf
Identified gender as a
significant variable
 Looked at how construction of mines would affect
both men and women
 Gender was the main selection criteria
Gender-sensitive research
question
Identify the socio-economic impact of the mines on
men and women at the local household level
Methodology Social baseline study, focus groups and social
mapping at the household level
 Equal opportunities for both men and women
 Questionnaires and participatory methods (ensures
all sections of society represented)
Data collection and
analysis
Gender disaggregated data collection (gender roles
and responsibilities in Mongolian culture)
Findings Deeper understanding of gender, socio-economic
and cultural aspects of the area

10. Summary
It’s important to remember that when addressing a
problem with a gender sensitive approach, a general
understanding of the context and a consistent
awareness of our own biases is required.
Our biases, and societal views of gender often dictate
the way we approach a problem.
In summary, gender sensitive research helps strengthen
our understanding and analysis of a problem, and
ultimately helps in developing sustainable solutions, that
reflect the realities of both men and women.

11. References
 Arango, D. (2013). Gender toolkit for international finance-watchers. Retrieved
from Gender Action website: http://www.genderaction.org/publications/IFI-
Watcher_Toolkit.pdf
 Congress of South African Trade Unions (2000, June). Understanding Gender - a
struggle within a struggle. Retrieved from
http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?ID=2168
 Center for International Forestry Research (2013). Does your proposal
demonstrate appropriate attention to gender issues? Retrieved from CGIAR
website: http://www.cifor.org/publications/pdf_files/infobrief/4155-brief.pdf
 European Commission. Directorate-General for Research (2009). Gender in EU-
funded research: Toolkit. Retrieved from European Commission website:
http://www.yellowwindow.be/genderinresearch/downloads/YW2009_GenderTo
olKit_Module1.pdf
 The World Bank (2013). Gender and Development - Defining Gender. Retrieved
from
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTGENDER/0,,contentMDK:
20193040~pagePK:210058~piPK:210062~theSitePK:336868,00.html