Gender and rights are both important ‘lenses’ for understanding and addressing the exclusion, inequality and injustice that shape and perpetuate poverty. These lenses give us a way to see how values, behaviours, assumptions, policies and program decisions play a role in discriminating against some people and favouring others. They help us to look at how power relationships and cultural constructions shape subordination based on gender as well as class, race, ethnicity, caste, age, sexual orientation, and other factors. By helping to clarify the root causes of poverty, an understanding of gender equality and rights can assist in developing strategies in response.

This will help to improve ActionAid International’s practice and impact.

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