Gender Transformative Parenting project 

In cooperation with UNICEF ECARO and UNICEF New York, the ISSA team did a global mapping of gender-responsive and transformative parenting and in-depth desk research. The results were used to develop a report which was shared with all UNICEF Regional Offices.  

In 2022, ISSA created the package, Supporting Families for Gender Transformative Parenting – Challenging gender norms and gender inequalities to create a more equitable environment for all children to thrive, a global resource that consists of four resource modules, slide decks, and a user guide.   

The user guide includes main messages — values, an explanation of the content of the resource package, structure of the modules, tips for facilitators for training delivery, and adaptation of the modules, an optional training agenda, and suggestions for monitoring and evaluation of the training and effects of the training.  

Four resource modules were developed: 

Module 1: A boy or a girl does it really matter  

Module 2: Start before five

Module 3: Be who you are

Module 4: Strong independent and responsible 

Pilot countries: Turkey, Argentina, Maldives, Malaysia, Mali, Egypt, Eritrea, and Tanzania. 

Capacity building: In-person Training of Trainers:
In June 2022, ISSA and UNICEF organized a training of trainers in Budapest. The training was aimed at UNICEF country offices (COs) participating in the pilot, including staff, main stakeholders, and professionals from UNICEF partners implementation organizations. Overall, the participants found the training valuable and engaging. The majority reported that they gained a better understanding of concepts and topics related to the gender transformative approach and parenting, expanded their knowledge of training delivery, gained insight, and developed ideas for contextualization and adaptation of the content. The results showed that participants found the training ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’.

Piloting of the modules and ongoing support to the pilot UNICEF country offices in the roll-out of the modules:  

The piloting process is organized to test the gender-transformative potential of the training module and check its relevance, effectiveness, coherence, efficiency, impact, and potential for scaling up globally. ISSA provided support to country offices through clinics/webinars and bilateral calls to support the roll-out of the modules. During the clinics/webinars, COs presented their approach and achievements to colleagues participating in the sessions. Bilateral calls with ISSA focused on addressing the specific questions and challenges of the countries. ISSA provided suggestions and ideas on overcoming them. 

Monitoring the piloting process and developing a report with recommendations: 

The piloting process proved the gender-transformative potential of the Gender Transformative Parenting resource modules and showcased that they are relevant and useful. Additionally, we can conclude that they have potential for scaling up globally. 

To meaningfully implement the modules, investing time in the adaptation process is vital. That includes the translation of the modules, including the context of the national situation around the topic, and revising the content to ensure images, examples, activities, and ways to engage with trainees and practitioners. A compelling adaptation process requires the participation of relevant stakeholders to provide input on the programs and to support their implementation. Building the interest of stakeholders requires time, considering that the topic is not always a priority for the national agenda; the time CO spend advocating for the implementation of positive parenting programs affects the time of implementation.