Capacity Development Project on Gender Equality

Abstract

International Organizations, Governments, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are centring efforts to strengthen stakeholders’ Capacity Development (CD) while advancing Gender Equality (GE), particularly aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5. Consortiums are formed to influence global and national policies, demonstrating a commitment to GE and solidarity with persons marginalised based on their gender identity. Stakeholders acknowledge challenges such as unsustainable funding, anti-LGBTQI+ legislation, and deeply entrenched multicultural social hindrances, but recognise capacity development (CD) as an unrivalled solvent to drive GE within hostile environments.

In Africa, efforts to achieve SDG 5 are rooted in multilateral frameworks like CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, spearheaded by governments and CSOs. Through advocacy, activism, and community awareness interventions, CSOs hold governments accountable to the commitments to these GE frameworks, challenging the anti-LGBTQI+ legislation, and counter gender disparities.

The proposed project aims to enhance GE at Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) through a CD project. MFAI, a non-profit interstate organization operating in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, adopts a Tier approach that concentrates efforts, resources, and lessons learned from the University of Iceland GEST programme. Focusing on leadership enhancement, managing change, and collaboration, MFAI employs models such as VRIO (Value, Rarity, Imitability and Organization), Force Field Analysis, cascade model, Trainer of Trainers (ToT) approach, alongside gender theories such as intersectionality, and Social Relations Approach. These equip senior administrators, staff, alumni and partners with the knowledge and tools they need to champion Gender Equality at MFAI and beyond.