Structural causes, also referred to as “root causes”, relate to barriers to achieving GESI compliance within TVET/HE institutions.

Information on structural causes can be collected through secondary research, macro-level data, etc.  These structural causes vary from institution to institution and they perpetuate social exclusion of varied degrees. Examples of structural barriers are presented in Section 1.1.8 of the Economic Inclusion module

It is important, wherever possible, when institutions are conducting GESI assessments, to apply participatory approaches with organisations that represent the target communities. Women, persons with disabilities, low-income youth and other interested parties should be considered when conducting the assessments. 

To illustrate participatory approaches in assessments, consider the following examples: 

• OPD-led disability inclusion assessments conducted by   FKE under the i2i project , and;
• Youth-led assessments e.g. IREX.