Gender policies and strategies

GL conducted a comprehensive gender audit and developed a tailored gender policy for the Southern Africa Trust. The aim was to evaluate existing policies and practices through a gender lens, ensuring that the trust’s operations promote gender equality and empower marginalised communities.

The final deliverables included a detailed report outlining the audit’s findings, recommendations for policy enhancements and strategies for implementation – all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within the organisation and its partner networks.

GL provided expert advice on developing and implementing gender-sensitive sports policies in Botswana, with a focus on promoting equal participation opportunities for women and girls.

This included conducting workshops with local sports organisations, collaborating with stakeholders to address barriers to participation, and recommending strategies that encourage greater inclusivity and representation in sports at all levels.

GL successfully developed a comprehensive gender policy for the Indian Ocean Commission, which aims to promote gender equality and empowerment across the region.

As part of this initiative, we conducted an in-depth gender training workshop specifically designed for media professionals. This training equipped participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively report on gender issues, challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive media landscape.

In 2013, Eswatini’s Department of Gender took a significant step forward by asking Gender Links to design an innovative gender strategy for the Prime Minister’s Office.

This initiative aims to drive meaningful change and promote gender equality at the highest levels of government. Through expert advice and strategic direction, the goal is to empower individuals and strengthen communities through inclusive policies and practices.

In 2021, Seychelles entrusted Gender Links with the critical responsibility of developing a comprehensive gender action plan for its government. The plan aims to address various gender-related issues within the country, including but not limited to gender equality in the workplace, the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of women’s empowerment in both social and economic spheres.

The plan includes actionable strategies that align with international standards and local needs, ensuring a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders nationwide.

Gender Links was pivotal in drafting the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) gender policy, a comprehensive framework designed to promote gender equality and empower women across the region.

Additionally, we developed a detailed gender mainstreaming toolkit that provides practical guidance for implementing gender-sensitive practices across various sectors. These essential resources have significantly strengthened gender integration efforts among SADC member states, notably advancing the rights of women and girls and fostering gender-responsive governance throughout the region.

Gender Links developed a comprehensive gender policy for the Polytechnic of Namibia (now the Namibia University of Science and Technology). The policy aims to promote gender equality and inclusivity within the institution by addressing various aspects such as recruitment practices, academic support and campus safety.

The aim was to create an environment that empowers all students and staff, regardless of gender, and fosters equal opportunities for personal and professional development. The initiative reflects a commitment to aligning with national and international standards of gender equality and enhancing the overall academic experience for all involved.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in Namibia tasked Gender Links with developing a comprehensive gender action plan for the Namibian government.

This initiative aimed to outline strategies and actions to address gender disparities within various sectors, enhance women’s empowerment, and ensure that gender considerations are integrated into national policies and programmes. The plan is a critical framework for promoting gender equality and advancing the rights of women and children across Namibia.

GL developed a comprehensive gender policy and action plan for the City of Johannesburg to promote gender equality and empower marginalised communities within the urban framework.

The policy outlines strategic objectives, targeted programmes and measurable actions designed to address gender-based disparities in various sectors, including education, health and economic development. Further, it emphasises community engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders to effectively implement gender-sensitive practices throughout the city’s governance and planning processes.

GL developed a comprehensive gender policy for South Africa’s Department of Social Development to address disparities in social development programmes. The policy emphasises the importance of equitable access to essential resources and services for individuals of all genders. It includes strategies to identify and mitigate barriers hindering gender equality in programme participation and outcomes.

Additionally, the policy outlines mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these programmes, ensuring that they cater to the population’s diverse needs and promote inclusivity across all gender identities.

In 2010, Transparency International, a global organisation dedicated to combating corruption, commissioned Gender Links to develop a detailed gender policy and action plan.

The plan aimed to establish clear guidelines and strategies to promote gender equity across all organisational levels, enhance women’s representation in leadership roles, and create a more inclusive environment that fosters diversity and empowerment.

The resulting policy not only addressed internal practices but also sought to influence external stakeholders in their efforts to integrate gender considerations into anti-corruption efforts worldwide.

GL developed a gender policy and action plan for the City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng. The plan aims to promote gender equality and address the diverse needs of all genders within the municipality.

The policy is designed to create an inclusive environment that fosters equal opportunities in various sectors, including education, employment, health and social services. Key components of the policy include initiatives to raise awareness about gender-based violence, promote women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes, and ensure equitable access to resources and services in the municipality.

GL developed a gender policy and action plan for eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to promote gender equality and address the diverse needs of all genders within the municipality.

The policy is designed to create an inclusive environment that fosters equal opportunities in various sectors, including education, employment, health and social services. Key components include initiatives to raise awareness about gender-based violence, promote women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes, and ensure equitable access to resources and services in the municipality.