In rural areas social and cultural norms are often deeply embedded, having an effect on gender roles: young women are often excluded from decision-making processes and depend on male relatives for access to resources such as land or financial capital, information, and networks. Particularly young women lack role models and networks to support them in setting up and/ or improving their own economic activities.
The document details the steps involved in implementing a gender-sensitive and transformative approach to empower (young) women and transform existing systems by challenging established gender norms and stereotypes.
An article from rural21 summarises some aspects of the document and is also available in French.