Gender-Sensitive Approaches to TPM

Recently, Jouri had the privilege of presenting our impressions from the field on women’s conditions in Syria to UN Women Syria’s general meeting. This blog post outlines some of our core findings and reflections we shared during that presentation, emphasizing the importance of a gender-sensitive approach in research. 

At Jouri, applying a gendered lens is not just an additional layer to our work—it is central to our methodology. Women, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Syria, often find themselves at the intersection of various forms of disadvantage. Without understanding the gendered dynamics of a situation, any intervention risks overlooking the needs of some of the most marginalized individuals.  

Gender-sensitive research, in our view, is not just about focusing on women. Instead, it takes gender as a significant variable, acknowledging the different experiences, challenges, and perspectives of both men and women. It also ensures that equal value is given to these viewpoints. This nuanced understanding is critical to developing truly effective humanitarian interventions.  

Gender-Relational Approach to Data Collection 

Our gender-relational approach goes beyond simply counting women’s participation or focusing on women’s issues. We sample a diverse range of statuses—divorced women, female-led households, women with disabilities, and those from different ethnic, cultural, and employment backgrounds. This approach allows us to capture a wide variety of experiences and ensures that our research reflects the broader spectrum of women’s realities. 

The tools we use are designed with careful consideration of local cultures, which is crucial in a sensitive and complex context like Syria. Our field staff, who are from the communities they serve, play a key role in building trust. They are trained in gender-based issues, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and are equipped to handle sensitive topics, including through anonymous surveys. 

In particular, our fieldwork often involves gender-segregated focus group discussions (FGDs) to ensure that women feel comfortable sharing their experiences. This attention to detail helps us to uncover issues that might remain hidden in a more generalized or less culturally sensitive approach. 

A Year of Multi-Sectoral Findings on Women’s Conditions in Syria 

Our presentation to UN Women gathered insights from a year’s worth of third-party monitoring (TPM) in Syria. We reviewed numerous reports and assessments, focusing on how women are experiencing and responding to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.  

Investigating why and how vulnerable groups are excluded from receiving the benefits of an intervention isn't about ticking gender or inclusivity boxes. It offers a more comprehensive view of the challenges faced and allows us to devise broader, more effective solutions for long-term stability and prosperity. Even if an intervention meets its target of reaching both men and women equally, it is crucial to look beyond statistics to grasp the full picture.  

This is why we always ask: What prevents vulnerable groups from accessing services? One of the challenges that consistently appear in our research is transportation and mobility, particularly in isolated areas. For example, during an assessment of a multisectoral intervention whereby participants received services in a center, project staff initially believed that transportation needs were met through the disbursement of travel allowances. However, when we spoke directly to participants, many shared that the allowances were insufficient to cover their actual costs, especially for those living in the most isolated areas. Those in isolated areas often had no access to public transportation and were forced to rent private cars. For others, long walks to the service centers posed safety risks. Women with special needs or caring for children with disabilities found participation particularly difficult. In fact, 40% of participants reported challenges with inadequate public transport, making the travel allowance insufficient. Many ended up spending their own money or missing out on services, which further impacted their financial stability and well-being.  

Conclusion 

The past year of TPM in Syria has reaffirmed the critical importance of applying a gender-sensitive approach in our work. At Jouri, we remain committed to using this lens to ensure that our research uplifts the voices of the most marginalized who continue to face intersecting disadvantages in conflict-affected regions.  

By bridging the knowledge gap between vulnerable communities and the organizations that serve them, we aim to foster interventions that not only reach excluded groups it but also truly understand and address their unique needs.