Smiling and Frowning Faces Gender Methodology ( By Tapiwa Muzadzi Gudza)

This guide is intended to instruct the user on how to conduct a Gender dialogue using the Smiling and Frowning methodology. The methodology employs basic illustration to unpack gender issues and systematically address them. According to Mayoux (2016), the use of illustrations fosters creative and lateral thinking, and complex analysis can be completed on a single page with few or no words. Gender Methodology promotes shared decision making by analyzing interpersonal relationships and mapping collective solutions.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14pIkXbZPYhLUOSdURBRPObs2ID_IcFBw/view?usp=drivesdk 

Environmental Mainstreaming Considerations (By Tapiwa Muzadzi Gudza)

One of the most important considerations for effectively mainstreaming environmental and social safeguards into climate change is ensuring that no one is left behind. The different vulnerabilities and capabilities of different groups of people, as well as how they are impacted by climate change and environmental degradation, should be considered when developing objectives and activities. Climate change programmes at least should aim to enhance the capabilities of the vulnerable groups. It is in this context stakeholder mapping and engagement should be exhaustive. 

The environmental and safe guards mainstreaming should ensure that no harm principle is considered. The health and people’s rights to clean and safe environment should be not violated. The mainstreaming should support access to information, participation and justice in environmental and climate matters. It is in this context that Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Environmental Assessments should be carried at the earliest stages.

The impact of environmental and social safeguards should consider gender equality and women’s empowerment. The impact of the environment and climate change on men and women and their age segmentation grouping should be identified and addressed. Women usually have a small ecological footprint hence their capacities and skills should be developed. Access and control of environmental assets should be strengthened and their participation in policy and decision making should be enhanced in environmental and climate matters.

The environmental mainstreaming should take consider building resilience to natural, biological and technological hazards.  Resilient communities will be able to bounce back when shocks and stresses strike hence limiting the impact. The mainstreaming goal should be backed by resources and funds to support resilience building interventions. 

Sustainability should be considered when mainstreaming environmental and safeguard issues in Climate change. Long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits should be ensured through planning and programming. Hence working with Government stakeholders is necessary to ensure that when programmes and projects end there will continuity.

While mainstreaming environmental and safeguard issues accountability should be considered.  There should be fluid systems to ensure that addresses potential intervention related complaints and grievances. Compliance policies should form the regulatory parameters of the mainstreaming framework.