Exploring the Gender Dynamics of CARE Rwanda's Village Savings and Loans (VSL) Programming
This report documents the process, tools, and key findings of a Gender Gap Analysis (GGA) carried out by CARE Rwanda in late 2011 to explore how gender dynamics influence the process and outcomes of the VSL methodology as a programming platform for women's empowerment.
Objectives:
The specific objectives of the CARE Rwanda GGA were:
- To learn how gender norms shape women's participation in and benefits from VSL groups;
- To understand the different experiences of men and women participating in VSL groups; and
- To formulate recommendations for strengthening the VSL methodology to address issues relating to gender dynamics
The process and tools used for the CARE Rwanda GGA were developed by a team of programme staff from two initiatives implementing the VSL methodology, with technical support from the CARE USA Senior Technical Adviser for Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health (SRMH). Prior to the work for the GGA, programme staff from these initiatives had jointly undergone a process of training involving the use of Social Action and Analysis (SAA) techniques to explore and reflect on issues relating to gender and gender dynamics in their own lives and work, as the basis for them to establish a common understanding of concepts of gender and gender relations.