Gender and development in post-conflict Swat, Pakistan: a critical analysis of NGO approaches used in development projects

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concept of ‘gender and development’ is still marginalised and misunderstood. After the armed conflict (2005–2009) and floods (2010) which struck the Swat Valley, Pakistan there was an influx of development organisations into the area. These organisations introduced projects focusing on both men and women, with the intention of assisting them according to their needs and pursuing the higher goal of gender equality. This study, carried out from 2016–2018, used qualitative methods to understand how these development organisations understood the concept of gender and development, and how they implemented it. Data was collected from two villages and two NGOs working in selected villages in the Swat Valley. Analysis reveals that the term ‘gender’ was often misinterpreted by local NGOs, making it difficult for them to see how their projects could contribute to improved well-being of both women and men, in the light of the diversity and dynamics of local gendered norms and relations. Instead of being included from the start as stakeholders, women were often involved as ‘additions’ to projects. Furthermore, NGO workers were not sufficiently trained in how to consider gender in the implementation of projects.