We are pleased to share that the Community of Practice on Gender and Land Governance (COPGL) recently hosted a series of three engaging webinars on the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology, developed by Oxfam. The series formed a key part of the COPGL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen gender-responsive approaches in land governance and promote inclusive, participatory development practices.
The webinar series was held over three consecutive months, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the various components of the GALS methodology. Each session built upon the previous one to deepen knowledge and practical application of this innovative empowerment tool.
About GALS
GALS — Gender Action Learning System — is a participatory methodology developed under Oxfam Novib’s WEMAN programme in collaboration with Linda Mayoux and civil society partners in Uganda, Sudan, Peru, and India. It supported individuals, households, and institutions in addressing gender inequality, enhancing economic opportunities, and transforming power dynamics.
Using visual diagramming tools, peer learning mechanisms, and participatory planning methods, GALS enabled people — especially marginalized groups — to articulate their visions for the future, analyze current realities, identify constraints and opportunities, and develop actionable plans for change.
Webinar Series Highlights
Each webinar focused on a specific aspect of the GALS approach:
Session 1 – Introduction to GALS
Participants gained foundational knowledge of the core principles and visual tools used in GALS, with a focus on how it promotes individual agency and collective action.
Session 2 – Gender, Power, and Land Rights
This session explored how GALS had been applied to address gender disparities and power imbalances in land governance, decision-making, and access to resources.
Session 3 – Institutional Integration and Scaling Up
The final session examined strategies for embedding GALS within institutional frameworks and scaling up its impact through policy advocacy and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Why GALS Matters
GALS has proved its effectiveness for creating win-win collaboration between marginalized communities and businesses, service providers, government agencies, and traditional authorities, and for transforming gender relations, including property rights, decision-making, and violence by building capacity at the grassroots level and fostering dialogue between communities and powerful stakeholders.
The webinar videos are available to access in the links below:
