Participatory design partnerships for gender and health in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Abstract

= 11) were gender specific. Participatory approaches complemented gender programming by creating spaces for reflection, adaptation and power-shifting, strengthening participant agency and local buy-in. Most initiatives achieved change at individual or community levels, with limited structural or policy impact. Partnership dynamics were infrequently described. Power dynamics were cross-cutting determinants of project functioning across contextual levels. This review highlights the potential for participatory processes to shift gendered power relations if embedded in inclusive, reflective, and equitably resourced collaboration. Better understanding of partnership processes and synergies between gender integration and participatory design could support future projects advancing gender equality for health.