Gender
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At the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), gender equality is central to our mission. Since 1993, we have worked to address the gendered dimensions of poverty, social inequality, and climate change. Guided by the principle “Pro-poor, Pro-women, and Pro-nature,” our approach integrates gender perspectives across all research, development, and innovation initiatives.
Vision:
We envision a future where gender equality and empowerment are integral to and integrated harmoniously with sustainable development.
Mission:
We seek to ensure men’s and women’s practical and strategic needs are addressed in all innovations and developmental efforts.
Goal:
Our aim is to mainstream gender across all MSSRF’s capacity development, research, decision-making, and project life cycles.
What We Do
Gender Integration and Mainstreaming
Interdisciplinary Gender Research
Gender Impact Assessments
Gender Transformation of Grassroots Institutions
Gender in Focus Dialogue Series
Empowering Change, Shaping Futures
Gender Integration and Mainstreaming
Gender considerations are woven into every stage of our projects—from design to evaluation. A core team of Gender Integration and Mainstreaming (GIM) focal points ensures all activities ask critical questions:
- What roles do men and women play?
- Who controls resources and decision-making?
By fostering equitable gender relations at all levels, we strengthen the impact of our development work.
Interdisciplinary Gender Research
We integrate intersectional gender analyses into all programme areas, combining science and technology with social research. Using a co-creation approach, we develop gender-transformative innovations in agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.
Through mixed-methods social science research, we uncover how gender inequalities affect access to resources, technologies, knowledge, and local governance.
Gender Impact Assessments
We assess how our interventions affect men and women at the grassroots level. These gender impact studies guide our researchers, program planners, and also inform policymakers about the real-world outcomes of science and technology innovations, ensuring interventions empower women and marginalized groups.
Gender Transformation of Grassroots Institutions
Sustainable gender equality requires transforming local institutions. We work to:
- Sensitise and build capacity in Panchayati Raj Institutions, Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, and Cooperatives.
- Integrate gender perspectives into local governance, planning, and decision-making.
Our support has led to the formation of 18 Farmer Producer Organizations across Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, boosting women farmers' socio-economic empowerment.
Gender in Focus Dialogue Series
Our Gender in Focus Dialogue Series invites scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to explore critical themes at the intersection of gender and development. Topics include women’s role in poverty reduction, natural resource management, and climate resilience.
Empowering Change, Shaping Futures
At MSSRF, gender equality is not a standalone goal — it is embedded across every programme and project. Through integration, research, capacity-building, and advocacy, we work to create a future where women and men share equal opportunities to thrive and lead sustainable change.
