Show in what way the Gender and Development approach differs from the Woman and Development approach.

Answer: The Gender and Development (GAD) approach and the Women and Development (WAD) approach are two distinct frameworks used to address gender inequalities and promote gender equality in development processes. While they share a common goal of addressing gender issues, they differ in their focus and underlying principles. Here are the key differences between the two approaches:

• Focus: The WAD approach primarily focuses on women as a distinct group, emphasizing their specific needs and roles in development. It aims to empower women by addressing gender disparities through targeted interventions. On the other hand, the GAD approach takes a broader perspective by considering the socially constructed roles, norms, and power dynamics that influence gender relations. It recognizes that gender issues are not limited to women alone but involve the entire spectrum of gender identities and relationships.
• Analysis: The WAD approach tends to view women as a homogeneous group with shared experiences and interests. It analyses women’s roles and contributions in the economy, society, and development processes. In contrast, the GAD approach acknowledges the diversity among women and recognizes the intersectionality of gender with other social categories such as class, ethnicity, and sexuality. It emphasizes the need to understand the complex dynamics of power and privilege that shape gender inequalities.
• Power and Agency: The WAD approach often frames women as victims of oppression and advocates for their empowerment to challenge existing power structures. It focuses on women’s agency and their ability to assert their rights and participate in decision- making. The GAD approach goes beyond empowering women to address the underlying power imbalances and unequal distribution of resources. It seeks to transform unequal gender relations and promote gender equality by involving both women and men in addressing gender issues.

Policy and Institutional Change: The WAD approach often focuses on advocating for specific policies and programs targeted at women’s empowerment and addressing their specific needs. The GAD approach takes a broader perspective by advocating for systemic changes in policies, institutions, and social norms to promote gender equality. It calls for gender mainstreaming across all sectors and integrating gender perspectives into development planning and implementation.
In summary, while the WAD approach focuses specifically on women’s empowerment and their specific needs, the GAD approach takes a more comprehensive view by addressing gender inequalities as a broader social issue. The GAD approach recognizes the need to address power
imbalances, challenge gender norms, and involve both women and men in promoting gender equality in development processes.

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