Gender-transformative practice (GTP) at the GEDSI-climate nexus

This applied research project will co-produce knowledge and learning materials on applying gender-transformative approaches (GTAs) in diverse contexts and sectors. By drawing on existing research on gender-transformative approaches and transformative adaptation in the WASH, food and NbS sectors, the project will identify how the principles of GTAs can be applied in practice.

The challenge

Despite advancements in research on GTAs, current approaches to gender-transformative change vary widely. This can result in technically strong projects that are gender-blind or gender-insensitive, which may cause harm and lead to missed opportunities. In the WASH sector, it has been difficult to move beyond simply including women on committees, and they remain significantly under-represented in the workforce. In food systems, women often take on multiple responsibilities but are marginalized in policy engagement. Nature-based solutions have had minimal focus on gender, and there is a need for increased attention to GTAs in climate and conservation efforts. The perpetuation of existing gender norms, structural barriers, and power dynamics in Indo-Pacific communities makes women, girls, people with disabilities, and other socially excluded groups more vulnerable to climate change and disasters.

Our approach

This research investigates how GTAs can be amplified in different sectors through partnership-based practice cases. The project is guided by a set of five principles for GTAs: 1) a motivation for profound gender-transformations; 2) a focus on systems that perpetuate inequalities; 3) being grounded in strategic gender interests; 4) recognising and valuing diverse identities; and 5) embracing transformative methodological practices. With these principles as a reference, practice cases are rooted in understanding local contexts, meeting people where they are and working from grounded realities.

The research follows a three-phase approach:

• Phase 1: Co-design (2025): transdisciplinary collaborative co-design with partners
• Phase 2: Practice cases (2026): This phase will involve action research, using the "Transformative Living Laboratories" (T-Labs) approach, to work with and strengthen gender-climate activities in ongoing programs in Nepal, Cambodia, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. It will also include developing curated, tailored learning content on GTAs for climate adaptation and resilience.
• Phase 3: Pathways for scaling (2027): The final phase will focus on cross-learning, pathways for scaling and updating GTA principles based on practice and Global South perspectives.

GTP at the GEDSI-climate nexus is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is led by the University of Technology Sydney-Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS-ISF), working with long-term collaborators:

• SNV: Collaborating in Cambodia (food systems) and Nepal (water and sanitation).
• WWF: Collaborating in Solomon Islands on food systems and nature-based solutions.