Thematic Review of Gender Equality
| Partner | WaterAid |
|---|---|
| Location | Cambodia, Ghana, Mali, Papua New Guinea, Uganda |
| Date | August - December 2021 |
| Services provided | Evaluation |
the project.
JRNY Consulting partnered with WaterAid to conduct a Thematic Review of Gender Equality that assessed how gender equality and inclusion were integrated across WaterAid’s global work. This review used WaterAid’s Equality, Inclusion & Rights Framework and a bespoke analytical tool that categorised interventions along a spectrum from harmful to transformative, enabling in-depth reflection on organisational and programme performance.
The process emphasised the importance of not only visible outcomes but also hidden and invisible expressions of power — those dynamics that shape how gender norms and inequalities operate in everyday practice and influence WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) efforts globally.
objectives.
The thematic review was designed to help WaterAid:
Develop a tailored analytical tool using the “Journey to Transformative Change” spectrum to assess gender equality efforts across thematic areas.
Identify achievements, barriers, and learning themes in organisational and programme approaches to gender equality.
Generate strategic recommendations to support WaterAid’s ambition of becoming a more gender transformative organisation.
why it matters.
Achieving gender equality within and through WASH systems requires not just intent but evidence-informed reflection on practice, norms, and power. This thematic review enabled WaterAid to diagnose what works, uncover systemic barriers, and identify entry points for deeper, more transformative gender outcomes.
By situating learning within a spectrum of change — from harmful to transformative — this work supports a shift toward equitable systems, where gender dynamics are central to how WASH services are designed and delivered. The review contributes to longer-term strategy and operational learning at both global and country levels, supporting WaterAid’s broader commitment to equity and inclusion.
what we delivered.
JRNY Consulting provided a set of practical, learning-focused deliverables to support organisational reflection and ongoing transformation:
Analytical Tool for Gender Equality Assessment — A bespoke, operational tool rooted in the “Journey to Transformative Change” framework to assess progress across a spectrum of gender equality outcomes.
Thematic Review Report — A comprehensive synthesis of findings and insights, identifying key strengths, gaps, and strategic opportunities to advance gender equality within WaterAid and its partners.
Visual Tools & Illustrations — Accessible visuals such as spider diagrams that illustrate progress and patterns across thematic areas, aiding interpretation and strategic discussion.
These deliverables were designed to be usable, accessible, and directly relevant to WaterAid’s organisational learning and strategic planning processes — enabling evidence-informed decision-making around gender transformation.
