OUR GLOSSARY
Ecological Systems Approach
Why Do We Embrace the Ecological Systems Approach?
The ecological systems approach highlights the importance of the interactions between individuals, institutions, spaces, services, policies, and values for children to reach their potential. This approach helps us understand the multidimensional and relational nature of child development.
What Is the Ecological Systems Approach?
Developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner in the 1970s, the ecological systems approach describes the relationship between a child and their social environment through four distinct yet interconnected systems (micro, meso, exo, macro).
At the center of this model is the child, surrounded by the microsystem, which includes actors closest to the child, such as family, school, peer groups, and the neighborhood—these have the most significant impact on the child.
Children experience life within and through these systems. They are influenced by the individuals and relationships within these systems, but they also impact these systems in return.
As the ecological systems approach suggests, it is essential for children to establish active and positive relationships with the actors in their environment throughout their development.
How Do We Plan to Implement This?
At Suna’s Daughters, we aim to contribute to the creation of a supportive ecosystem for girls who grow up without access to services that foster their development. To achieve this, we focus on enabling the following transformations:
● Empowered Girls: Girls develop self-efficacy and self-awareness, know their rights, participate in decisions that concern them, and can easily access mechanisms to protect these rights when needed.
● Supportive Homes: Homes are safe and supportive for girls, with parents who are aware of their children’s developmental needs and capable of meeting them.
● Inclusive Education: Education addresses girls’ developmental needs across all its components.
● Safe Social Environments: Social spaces are secure and nurturing, promoting safe peer relationships and providing opportunities in education, culture, arts, and sports.
● Civil Society Collaboration: Civil society organizations work collectively, focusing on the challenges faced by girls through a collective impact approach.
● Comprehensive Services: Central and local services are delivered holistically, prioritizing children at risk.
● Public Awareness: Society supports gender equality and child-centered attitudes and behaviors.
