Why we need gender-sensitive event facilitation

Imagine a scenario where a community workshop is held to discuss the integration of renewable energy solutions in a neighbourhood. The room is filled with local leaders, energy experts and community members, but as the discussion progresses, it becomes clear that the voices of women are not being heard. Despite their significant role in managing household energy needs and their potential contributions to renewable energy adoption, their unique challenges and insights are overshadowed by the more dominant male participants. This situation highlights the urgent need for a gender-sensitive approach in the design, implementation and evaluation of events. 

Gender-sensitive facilitation ensures that the perspectives and needs of all participants, regardless of gender, are recognised and addressed. This approach is not just about fairness; it is about effectiveness and inclusivity. Women and men often have different experiences and knowledge that can significantly enrich the outcomes of any event. Ignoring these perspectives can lead to incomplete solutions and missed opportunities for innovation.

To enable moderators and facilitators of events such as workshops to take a gender-sensitive approach to the planning, implementation and evaluation of their events, this manual provides practical tips, ideas and checklists for inclusive and effective participation and representation at these events. 

Research shows that having enough women in a room to be heard effectively means reaching a critical mass, usually around 30% of the group. When women make up less than this proportion, their influence tends to be diminished due to persistent gender biases. For example, when women are in the minority, they are likely to be interrupted, perceived as less authoritative and may struggle to have their ideas recognised. However, when they reach a critical threshold, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully and influence group decisions. 

In male-dominated spaces, research suggests that the solution isn’t just to increase the number of women, but to also change the environment to be more inclusive. This means addressing systemic issues and cultural norms that prevent women’s voices from being heard.  

By actively encouraging and facilitating women’s participation, facilitators play a key role in creating spaces where everyone feels safe and comfortable to express their views. This can be achieved through a variety of strategies, such as using inclusive language, ensuring equal opportunities to speak, and adapting the location and timing of events to women’s needs and preferences. 

Considering gender in the design, implementation and evaluation of events is not just a matter of equity, it is a strategic imperative. By adopting a gender-sensitive approach, facilitators can create more inclusive, effective and impactful events. This not only benefits the participants, but also increases the overall success of the event. As we move towards a more inclusive society, it is essential that our exchanges and events reflect this commitment to gender equality. 

Purpose of the Manual

The Manual enables facilitators, moderators and trainers of events such as workshops and trainings to take a gender-sensitive approach to the planning, implementation and evaluation of their events. It provides practical tips, ideas and checklists for inclusive and effective participation and representation at these events:

  1. Guidelines on how to prepare events and workshops in a gender-sensitive manner
    • Before the workshop or event incl. logistics and administration
    • During the workshop or event
    • After the workshop or event incl. feedback, evaluation and self-reflection
  2. Guidelines on how to respond to challenging situations in events and workshops in general and specifically in the renewable energy and male-dominated industries

We are pleased to share this manual with the Women in Green Hydrogen community. It has been developed by the International PtX Hub, Green Hydrogen South Africa and H2.SA and GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. Thank you to the coordinators of the project, Susan Nakuti Byakika and Medinah Willies, who are also part of the WiGH Africa Chapter.