The research project team carried out a study of CVA focused on the WASH sector implemented by World Vision Bangladesh with a primary concern to explore gender and social inclusion perspectives.
The purpose of this case study was to look at past practice of CVA to inform future CVA implementation in SHOMOTA (Strengthening Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in WASH in Bangladesh) project, supported by the Water for Women Fund. We focused our research on Nobo Jatra Project, implemented by World Vision Bangladesh in Khulna District.
Our research activity included a three-day researcher training workshop in Dhaka where Nobo Jatra project staff orientated the research team on CVA. We also explored gender transformative change using CARE’s framework which recognises that transformative change is orientated around agency; relations; structures. We also developed our research tools, a key informant interview guide and a focus group discussion guide incorporating pocket voting. The workshop was very participatory with lots of group input into the design of our research process.
The research team consisted of staff from ISF-UTS, University of Rajshahi, SHOMOTA project staff and World Vision technical staff. The team of ten travelled to Khulna and undertook four days of data collection in two unions within Khulna district. We had a busy time travelling to women, men, and government officials who had participated in CVA focused on the WASH sector in 2018. We conducted 11 focus groups and 13 key informant interviews. The data collection provided rich learning within our 6 areas of inquiry:
- Planning and preparation for CVA
- Gender transformative change within CVA
- Gender transformative change translated to other domains
- Women’s well-being resulting from CVA
- Markers of future gender transformative change
- Recommendations for a gender transformative social accountability model
ISF-UTS and University of Rajshahi staff carried out a rapid two-day analysis process to develop preliminary findings. These findings were shared at a making sense workshop in Dhaka where 15 World Vision Bangladesh staff and two partner organisation staff attended the workshop and participated in discussions.
It’s important to note that the Nobo Jatra Project wasn’t designed with the explicit intention of being gender transformative, but there are markers of changes to gender equality demonstrated through the work of Nobo Jatra project.
Stay tuned for more learning on gender transformative social accountability – we are currently in our detailed analysis phase and will be sharing our learning report in September this year.