This publication is a compilation of case studies describing how a cultural analysis can substantially influence development programmes. It reports on efforts by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s to develop culturally sensitive programming in the area of gender equity and equality, and reproductive health and rights. In particular, it examines the more inclusive programming approaches that encompass culture and religion and the roles played by local power structures and institutions in mobilising communities to become active partners in development. Separate chapters detail the experiences of the UNFPA in Brazil, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Uganda and Yemen.
It finds that collaboration and partnerships between UNFPA and local power structures and institutions, including traditional leaders and faith-based and religious organisations, have proved instrumental in neutralising resistance to programmes and creating local ownership of the ICPD Programme of Action, and enabled the mainstreaming of reproductive health concerns and services into many of these networks.
Specific findings and recommendations include:
- culturally sensitive approaches were instrumental in creating and establishing “trust assets” with local organisations;
- programme staff require patience, an understanding of the local culture, and abilities in sustained negotiation and inclusive information sharing;
- local country UNFPA offices found it effective to identify ‘local change actors’ who could drive the process forward with the facilitation of the UNFPA;
- evidence-based information about issues affecting women were useful in minimising cultural tensions and creating interest in the programme;
- participatory approaches should be adapted to the cultural context. In some cases this requires that leaders of cultural and religious institutions are engaged in the early stages of the programme before involving grass-roots community organisations;
- culturally sensitive and appropriate language should be developed and used, which avoids value-laden terms
- it is important to make clear the distinction between “cultures as broad ethical and value systems” and certain “traditional practices” that are harmful to the individual and the community;
- projects that are likely to lead to cultural or religious controversy must be preceded by strong advocacy campaigns which are based on strong research into cultural issues;
- when engaged and provided with evidence-based information, religious organisations and various power structures were willing to partner with UNFPA in a number of areas;
- engaging religious organisations resulted in reproductive issues being brought onto their own agenda;
- partnerships with religious and faith-based organisations allowed UNFPA-supported programmes to reach some of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities by using their networks;
- partnerships successfully negotiated differences through selective collaboration on shared concerns, and separate responsibility for more difficult issues such as contraceptive use, with each respecting the different views of the other;
- joint programming with religious and faith-based organisations should be an ongoing process.
