Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how critical reflective dialogue (CRD) catalyzes social change by building awareness of the link between social norms, gender equity, power dynamics, and individual, household and community well-being. Methodologically, specific participatory learning tools for CRD were developed by international non-profit organizations, piloted globally with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, local catalysts were trained on tools and CRD practice, social and gender norms were explored in community facilitated discussions and qualitative data were collected on the process of local catalyst training as well as community impact. The paper discusses the practice of CRD, including sample tools, training process, local catalysts’ challenges, and community-level results from Benin and Zambia. Through this process local leaders, power holders, community stakeholders, and marginalized groups began to identify individual and group agency. Qualitative results indicate shifts in joint household decision making, more equitable sharing of household chores and an increase in women’s access to resources demonstrating that the practice of CRD is a pathway for increasing gender equity for individuals, households, and communities.