Introducing the BPP gender-sensitive communication toolkit

We’re excited to launch the BPP’s gender-sensitive communication toolkit, a practical resource designed to help our partners communicate more inclusively and effectively across their work.

Gender-sensitive communication is a powerful tool for making people feel represented, respected and welcomed especially in community development, where inclusive engagement drives impact.

This toolkit supports BPP partners and stakeholders to review, refine and strengthen their external and internal communications, from job ads and social media to community outreach and stakeholder engagement.

Why gender-sensitive communication matters for partners

In many of the contexts where the BPP operates, women and girls continue to face barriers to workforce participation, decision-making and access to information. According to the UN Gender Snapshot (2024), climate change could push an estimated 158 million women and girls into poverty by 2050 – 16 million more than men and boys.

For our partners working across various sectors, communication plays a pivotal role in shaping who feels invited into the conversation and who might be unintentionally left out.

Adopting gender-sensitive communication can:

• strengthen stakeholder engagement and build trust
• improve the reach and impact of development programs
• demonstrate leadership in inclusion
• open up opportunities for more inclusive hiring and community engagement.

What’s in the toolkit?

The BPP gender-sensitive communication toolkit is designed to be practical and adaptable. It includes:

• clear definitions and key principles of gender-sensitive communication to address unconscious bias
• tips on inclusive imagery, language and storytelling
• practical checklist and tips for reviewing and enhancing various types of communications and outreach materials.

Inclusive communication isn’t about getting everything perfect it’s about being intentional and taking action. This toolkit is a starting point for partners who want to reflect on their messaging and make practical, meaningful changes.

With thanks to Eloise Peden, BPP Program Officer, and Tran Thi Minh Phương, BPP Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Advisor in Vietnam, for developing this useful resource!

Download the toolkit below:

Gender Sensitive Communication Toolkit – English

Gender Sensitive Communication Toolkit – Vietnamese

Hear from Eloise Peden about why the toolkit was created and how it can support your work in inclusive development below: