Gender Inclusion and Empowerment

Conflict and protracted crises deepen socio-economic barriers for women and marginalised communities. Grounded gender-responsive evidence is essential to avoid entrenching exclusion and operational risk.

In conflict-affected contexts, women and marginalised communities disproportionately confront socio-economic challenges, with protracted crises creating institutional barriers, restricting formal employment, withdrawing social protections as well as limiting access to capital and assets. Under these circumstances, interventions or investments that fail to integrate gender-responsive and gender-sensitive frameworks entrench negative outcomes and heighten operational risks. Effectively addressing this socio-cultural issue requires data and insights rooted in reality towards a systematic practice of inclusion and empowerment that understands how gender dynamics intersect with local power structures and market opportunities.

Sector expertise

How We Help Clients

MECS incorporates gender-informed perspectives throughout its research cycle. Not only do our technical experts ensure that analysis frameworks and data collection tools integrate gender dynamics and adhere to gender-sensitivity, but our gender-balanced field teams are also experienced in adopting diverse engagement strategies and conducting culturally-appropriate field activities for both quantitative and qualitative projects. Moreover, we specialise in upholding the highest ethical and behavioural standards in capturing the perceptions of marginalised communities without compromising their safety or security. This robust methodological process enables us to accurately reflect and elevate gender dimensions, thereby presenting partners with concrete findings and actionable advice towards unlocking sustainable opportunities and initiatives.

successful project

Selected case studies

Selected case studies and publications across this expertise area are available on the Case Studies page.

The Role of Tribes in the Release of IS Combatants in Northeast Syria
Study of the role tribes play in the release and reintegration of IS combatants in northeast Syria, including community brokering, accountability and security trade-offs.
The Role of Tribes in the Release of IS Combatants in Northeast Syria
Do Syrian Communities Perceive Former IS Combatants as a Threat?
Perception study on how Syrian communities view the reintegration of former IS combatants — exploring threat perception, security concerns and conditions for acceptance.
Do Syrian Communities Perceive Former IS Combatants as a Threat?
Between States of Movement
Research note on patterns of secondary movement and displacement transitions across Syria, and what they reveal about household decision-making under prolonged uncertainty.
Between States of Movement
Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons in Syria
Long-form research on durable solutions for IDPs in Syria — return, local integration, settlement elsewhere — and the conditions under which each pathway becomes viable.
Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons in Syria
Deir-ez-Zor Rapid Needs Assessment — February 2025
Multi-sectoral rapid needs assessment in Deir-ez-Zor governorate. 416 households surveyed across 7 communities to identify protection, shelter, livelihoods and basic services needs.
Deir-ez-Zor Rapid Needs Assessment — February 2025

Let’s Collaborate with Us!

Whether you need field-based evidence, independent verification or specialist advice, MECS can shape a service around your operating context and decision needs.

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