MFC tested Gender Action Learning System tools in Georgia

MFC tested Gender Action Learning System[1] tools in Georgia

MFC thanks to invitation from MFI JSC Crystal, tested some new approaches to gender mainstreaming discussion through GALS (Gender Action Learning System) tools. The workshop took place on 8^th November 2011 in Crystal in Kutaisi, Georgia with selected loan officers.

Throughout the workshop, so called Gender Diamond was used to facilitate the discussion about gender differences and challenges between men and women.

During first part of workshop participants looked at gender issues from their own perspective by  answering and discussing two questions:

• What I like about being a man/ a woman
• What I don’t like about being a man/ a woman

As a result, they were able to observe that  many likes and dislikes are actually common to all people, not necessary men or women exclusively. The participants  were also able to noticed that many of their answers and arguments are influenced by the Georgian tradition or based on general statistics or stereotypes and not necessary fully reflect the reality.

The second part of the workshop focused on discussion if and how loan officers understanding of differences between genders may influence their relation with clients. Although everybody agreed that within JSC Crystal male and female clients have equal access to the services, sometime gender and age of the potential client influence their perception about them. For example some loan officers agreed that when they see young unmarried male client they consider given him  a loan as more risky than to the female client. The discussion also confirmed that loan officers in general perceive female clients as more responsible towards their loans repayment.

Apart of running the workshop MFC staff conducted QAT in JSC Crystal. The MFI went through assessing their social performance management with the revised QAT which included new gender indicators.

The workshop and QAT was held within a framework of the project Gender Mainstreaming in the Region of Europe and Central Asia aiming at Microfinance Customers empowerment through equipping Customers in gender-focused and life planning tools offered in an attractive and entertaining format and adapted to the local context of Caucasus region. In addition enabling Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to better support their Customers with non-financial services, which ensure gender equality and equity for Customers, and sustainability for an MFI. The project is funded by OxfamNovib.