# O6.8 Use a participatory approach to foster inclusive, responsive and empowering DPI

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{% tab title="Principle" %}
Respond to gender, ability or age
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{% tab title="Risks" %}
Disempowerment, Exclusion
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{% tab title="Life Cycle Stages" %}
All
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{% tab title="Responsible Authority " %}
Government 

Technology Provider 
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{% endtabs %}

## Practices for Government 

* Engage collectives and civil society organizations in the design process to ensure that solutions are co-created with the input of those who will benefit from them.
* Regularly test prototypes with gender-diverse users to gather feedback on functionality and accessibility.
* Continuously refine and improve prototypes based on the results of usability testing and feedback sessions.

**Practices for Technology Providers** 

* Offer ongoing training for designers and developers on gender-inclusive design principles to enhance their understanding and implementation of these practices.
* Collaborate with women’s organizations and civil society groups to support continuous improvement in gender-inclusive design.
* Actively work to identify and resolve any negative effects uncovered during social audits and assessments.