Stage

Gender transformative AR4D: dealing with gender instrumentalization in CGIAR discourses and practices on agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship    

Gender has been institutionalized in AR4D organizations. However, while gender advocates in the sector applaud these developments, critical voices warn about the perils of gender instrumentalization. This refers to using the empowerment discourse on women and girls as conduit for policies or for advancing specific interests without a profound commitment to gender equality. This project investigates the gender instrumentalization problem in the context of the CGIAR –an influential AR4D institution. In this call, we explore gender instrumentalization in the discourse and research practice on agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.

Research question

How does the argument of a virtuous upward spiral of economic, social and gender empowerment advanced in CGIAR discourse and research practice on innovation and entrepreneurship reinforces or challenges gender instrumentalization?

Expected activities

  1. The student will contribute to critically analyze pertinent literature
  2. The student will help to systematically analyze the GENNOVATE database across 13 developing countries using NVivo Software
  3. The student will use the analyzed data according to his/her own interests and, should his/her own interest relate to the data collected in Mexico, the student will accompany the Project lead to field visits in Mexico (final date to be determined but should take place in Autumn 2019)
  4. Based on the student’s interest and quality of work, it is expected the student becomes a co-author in all publications derived from this project.

What is included in this call?

  1. The student will be trained in NVivo software and will learn how to conduct systematic content analysis.
  2. The project will cover all fieldwork costs, including travel, accommodation and upkeep,
  3. and will ensure the student is adequately mentored and supervised. 

Requirements

  1. Ideally, the student should be enrolled in a Master's Degree in any study programme within the school of Social Sciences.
  2. It should also be fluent in English and have at least intermediate level in Spanish. Additional language skills are welcomed.
  3. It should also be proficient in Microsoft Office Package and have some working knowledge of qualitative softwares, in particular NVivo 11 (however this is not mandatory as training on NVivo will be provided).
  4. The student should also be proactive and responsible, with a high degree of respect for cultural differences.