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GENDER INCLUSION
Empowering Gender Equality And Inclusion
By Raphael Kioko
Identity-based inequities are obstacles to development at all levels of society . Studies have shown that , women continue to suffer discrimination and unequal rights and opportunities worldwide .
In Kenya , the problem of gender inequality still prevails in most spheres of life despite the many efforts by interest bodies and the government to drive gender parity . This calls for players within the public and private sector to put in place initiatives within social impact drives to bridge the glaring gender parity gap .
Invest in Africa ( IIA ) is one of the organizations committed to driving economic growth in Africa . Towards achieving this noble goal , the organization acknowledges the need to front for a future that prospers equally for everyone for sustainable development . One of IIA ’ s key thematic areas of focus is engendering women inclusion in enterprise and economic prosperity .
A gender-sensitive eye is necessary for all impact organizations . Organizations that lack gender sensitivity in their operations , programs , or projects perpetuate existing gender inequalities . These organizations may cause more harm to the society they intend to serve .
Organizational policies should be put in place to ensure a gender accommodative working environment . However , there is a need to ensure that social impact programs and projects are alive to gender equality matters throughout their entire life cycle .
Gender bias may sometimes occur , either deliberately or blindly . Education and awareness of gender equality and its importance are critical to eliminating stereotypes and discrimination . The institution of an organizational gender policy could help reduce biases and provide guidelines on handling gender equality issues .
Recently , IIA partnered with the World University Service of Canada ( WUSC ) in a drive to overcome inequality and exclusion - this partnership emphasizes the
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A gender-sensitive eye is necessary for all impact organizations . Organizations that lack gender sensitivity in their operations , programs , or projects perpetuate existing gender inequalities . These organizations may cause more harm to the society they intend to serve . gender inclusion subject within IIA and its programs . Under this initiative , some IIA staff members were enrolled in a gender equality programming training to further enrich the championing of gender equality through deliberate strategic planning and creation of the necessary policies .
“ The training was an eye-opener in understanding gender mainstreaming and the importance for organizations to actively consider gender equality programming and implementation , especially within workplaces and impact programs ”, says Jeanne Njeri a beneficiary of the training .
Invest in Africa have continued to bolster its capacity to implement gender equality strategies and applying gender-sensitive lenses in their programs . Under the partnership with WUSC , the organization received expert human resource support , under their volunteer program - this is helping IIA review its policy framework to embed a gender accommodative culture .
The commitment to reduce gender bias must be clearly stated and widely communicated within enterprises , organizations , government agencies , and social groups . Applying a gender-sensitive lens in social interventions , support programs , and workplaces , is key in building a more equal society and a sustainable existence .
Raphael Kioko is the Communication and Marketing Executive at Invest in Africa . You can commune with him via mail at : Raphael . Kioko @ investinafrica . com
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