IACD’s Fourth Sub-Saharan Regional Webinar
This morning on 14th October 2020, Dr Elohor Stephanie Onoge delivered a presentation on Gender Empowerment Through Community Development in Africa to our members. We are thrilled to share the recording of this enlightening webinar with you today. Dr Onoge’s presentation can be viewed from minute 5:10 – 30:31, and the remaining time of the webinar features a Q&A session.
Highlights from the 4th IACD Sub Sahara Africa Region Webinar, 14th October 2020
The following are the notes from this webinar taken by Dr Daniel Muia, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Context
In the African context gender is more a binary concept of men and women. Gender empowerment is not just important as a fundamental right, it is also necessary for development, peace and prosperity. Gender empowerment is important in our societies since women are a majority in the population; fulfillment of international development goals (SGD’s of 2015 number 5); to help fight against poverty; and to have inclusion of all members in society. Gender gap in Africa in 2020 stands at 68%, largely due to such underlying factors as patriarchy, customs, social norms, and values in society. There are also discriminatory policies and laws that undermine gender empowerment.
Solutions
Gender empowerment can and should be addressed through closing the gender gap in education; address the negative perceptions and stereotypes; positively shape policy and legislation; and positively use the power of social media for gender empowerment- In the 21st century the role of social media is key in closing the gender gap – as it can help in advocacy and mobilization.
Role of the Community Development Practitioner
The role of community development practitioners in gender empowerment include facilitating learning in communities; recognize diversity and ensure inclusion; and unlock the power in communities to promote gender empowerment. However, all this has to be done with sensitivity in especially isolated communities.
Next Steps
The next webinar will take place on Wednesday, 11th November 2020. The topic will be Participatory Community Development Evaluation and Joshua Makau Nzoka (IACD and ACDP-K member) will deliver the presentation.
All of our webinars are recorded with the consent of attendees, and you can catch up on any webinars you missed on our website.
We were joined at this webinar by: Elohor Onoge (Nigeria), Oboh Achioyamen (Nigeria/ UK) , Femi Akintayo (Nigeria), Khadija (Nigeria), De Wet Schutte (South Africa), Mzameli Dikeni (South Africa), Faly (Madgascar), Bereket Roba (Ethiopia), Daniel Muia (Kenya), Stellah Kilonzo (Kenya), Kipkeu Kiplagat (Kenya), Stellah Masese (Kenya), Evelyne Timpiyian, and Meredith Greta (IACD).
