Gender training

Gender Links collaborated with UN Women on various impactful projects aimed at promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s participation in politics. Among these initiatives were comprehensive media training programs specifically designed to empower women leaders and activists to communicate their messages effectively and advocate for their rights. Additionally, the organisations conducted thorough gender audits of electoral laws across various African countries, identifying gaps and recommending reforms to ensure that women’s representation in politics is not only encouraged but actively facilitated. Tanzania WPP Media Training

The project saw Gender Links Zimbabwe collaborating with the International Center for Local Democracy (ICLD) on a project titled “Capacitating Local Leaders in Zimbabwe Programme” (2019–2021). It aimed to strengthen local democratic institutions and enhance the leadership skills of Zimbabwean politicians and senior council officials, with a focus on promoting gender equality and women’s participation in political processes. The objectives were to strengthen local governance and gender mainstreaming in Zimbabwe and to foster knowledge exchange between Swedish and Zimbabwean local authorities.

GL conducted comprehensive capacity-building sessions targeted at staff members in South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, aimed at enhancing their skills in gender mainstreaming within the African Development Bank’s (AFDB) development projects. These sessions included interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises that focused on integrating gender considerations into project planning and implementation. By providing tailored training materials and resources, GL empowered participants to effectively address gender disparities and promote inclusive development practices across various sectors.

This work covers Diakonia’s core support to Gender Links during its three-year programme from 2012 to 2015, with a specific focus on the period from January to December 2012. Diakonia’s support emphasises two key areas: gender and economic justice, as well as climate change. It follows up on the Business Unusual workshops for media practitioners, which aimed to track government economic implementation using the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development as a benchmark. Additionally, it highlights the work Diakonia has been supporting in the areas of gender and climate change. Thanks to Diakonia’s strategic support, Gender Links has built on past achievements to reach the intended results.

GL conducted a comprehensive gender training workshop for the European Union delegation staff in South Africa, aimed at enhancing their understanding of gender issues and promoting the implementation of gender-responsive frameworks. The training focused on practical strategies for integrating gender considerations into policymaking and program development, ensuring that the delegation can effectively address the unique challenges faced by diverse communities within the region. Participants engaged in interactive sessions that included case studies, role-playing exercises, and discussions on best practices, ultimately equipping them with the necessary tools to promote gender equality in their diplomatic efforts and initiatives.

The structured study visit for the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) to the GL offices in Johannesburg was designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two organisations. During this visit, representatives from AWDF explored various programmes and initiatives implemented by GL, gaining insights into best practices related to gender advocacy and empowerment. The agenda included presentations from GL’s leadership team, who shared their experiences and strategies in addressing gender-based issues in the region. Additionally, the group embarked on a tour of the GL facilities, observing firsthand the work environment and community engagement efforts that have contributed to GL’s impact.

GL hosted an inspiring gender training session at the University of Mauritius, bringing together students, faculty, and community members to foster dialogue and deepen their understanding of key gender issues. The event, held in the university’s main auditorium, featured a series of interactive workshops and discussions led by experienced facilitators specialising in gender studies. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations about gender equality, stereotypes, and the importance of inclusivity in academic settings. The session not only aimed to empower individuals with knowledge but also encouraged collaborative efforts to create a more equitable educational environment. Feedback from participants indicated a heightened awareness of gender issues and a commitment to promoting equality within their communities.

GL conducted a comprehensive gender training workshop specifically designed for GIZ staff in the offices of Lesotho, Namibia, and Zambia. The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of critical gender issues, including the impact of gender inequality on development, the importance of inclusive policies, and the role of gender-responsive frameworks in promoting equitable practices. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions, participants explored practical strategies for implementing gender-responsive frameworks within their respective workstations.

Gender Links facilitated an extensive gender training workshop specifically designed for the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) branch in the North West province. This training aimed to equip local government officials with essential skills and knowledge to promote gender equality and address gender-related issues within their communities. The workshop featured interactive sessions, case studies, and collaborative discussions, with a focus on implementing gender-responsive policies and practices in local governance.

The Southern Africa Media Development Institute reached out to Gender Links to facilitate a comprehensive Gender and Media Training programme across Southern Africa. This initiative aimed to enhance the understanding and integration of gender perspectives in media reporting, promoting gender equality and sensitivity in journalistic practices throughout the region. The training targeted media practitioners, journalists, and educators, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to address gender issues effectively in their work.

This training focused on Women’s Political Participation (WPP) for the Media in Lesotho, aimed to empower journalists and media practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively cover and promote issues related to women’s roles in politics. During the sessions, participants engaged in discussions about the current challenges faced by women in the political arena, explored successful case studies of female political leaders, and honed their ability to report on gender dynamics in governance. The training also emphasised the importance of responsible and inclusive media practices to encourage greater public engagement and support for women’s political representation in Lesotho.

GL conducted an in-depth gender training programme for the staff at UNDP South Africa, focusing on key topics such as gender equality, inclusivity in the workplace, and strategies for addressing gender-based discrimination. The training included interactive group discussions and case studies to help participants develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of gender mainstreaming issues relevant to their work. Read more.

Gender Links played a pivotal role in drafting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Gender Policy, a comprehensive framework designed to promote gender equality and empower women across the region. Additionally, they 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, facilitating the incorporation of gender considerations into national policies, programmes, and initiatives. As a result, there has been a notable advancement in the rights of women and girls, alongside a fostering of gender-responsive governance throughout the region. Read more.