GAD (Gender and Development)
Gender and Development is an approach that looks at the roles of both men and women as an integral part of the family, community, and larger society. Gender roles are a socially constructed dynamic in society which change over time and are influenced by culture, behavior, attitude, values, and actions through education, media, culture, arts and science. Through various gender analysis techniques, the roles and rights of both women and men are studied in order to determine how development interventions may be made most effective.
As Peace Corps usually works at the community level, gender and development issues are usually encountered at a personal level, such as within the family. It is necessary to analyze these issues within the cultural context, including the roles, rights, and responsibilities of women and men, boys and girls. After evaluating from where these issues arise and the effects they have on society, education, family, etc. Volunteers can address these issues using projects and activities that are designed to make a positive impact on the gender relations in the community.
Mission
To promote a better understanding of gender issues amongst Peace Corps Volunteers and project partners in order to properly address gender issues that impact the development of Moldova.
Values
In order to successfully carry out GAD’s mission, the GAD committee will maintain the following values in their activities:
____The GAD Committee will demonstrate and promote equality between genders in all activities and events.
____The GAD Committee will encourage all PCVs to participate in all GAD and GAD Project activities in order to gain a better understanding of gender issues that are prevalent in Moldova.
____The GAD Committee will support fellow PCVs in carrying out gender and development activities and events that may or may not occur as part of a GAD Project.
____The GAD Committee will be open to new ideas on how to address gender and development issues in Moldova.
____The GAD Committee will invite Moldovan partners and other HCNs as guests , speakers and/or partners to attend GAD meetings and activities.
____The GAD Committee will partake in all opportunities that may arise which will help spread GAD’s mission.
____The GAD Committee will promote Women’s Empowerment, especially in March in celebration of Women’s Day.
____The GAD Committee will work as a team to evaluate the Strategic Plan and create the GAD Committee’s Action Plan to determine the goals and objectives for the upcoming year.