IGAD has started a three-day meeting to review its updated gender toolkit.
In a renewed push to close gender gaps across the region, IGAD has kicked off a three-day workshop aimed at validating its newly updated Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit. The forum gathers technical staff from different IGAD divisions to go through the toolkit, check for gaps, and confirm it meets current needs.
Why the Toolkit Was Updated
The decision to revise the guide came after IGAD’s 2024 Institutional Gender Needs Assessment revealed key challenges. The report showed that many divisions lacked proper gender-focused training and that past efforts were not being applied consistently. That led to the hiring of a gender expert to update the toolkit based on the 2023–2030 Gender Equality Strategy.
A Tool Designed for Practical Change
Unlike before, this updated version has been shaped to suit each IGAD division. It gives room for flexible use, allowing different departments to apply the guide based on their unique work. The aim is to make gender equality efforts easier, more practical, and results-driven.
Learning from the Past
IGAD has worked on gender issues before — their original guidelines were introduced between 2010 and 2017. However, the changing regional dynamics and the need for updated tools prompted this new version, which responds directly to the evolving gender challenges faced today.
What the Workshop Targets
During the workshop, participants are focusing on key goals — confirming that the toolkit aligns with IGAD’s Gender Policy, addressing each division’s gender needs, and encouraging ownership across the institution. Once approved, the toolkit will support regular, tailored training programs for both staff and project teams.
A Step Toward Fair Growth
IGAD believes promoting gender balance is more than a human rights issue — it’s a key part of achieving strong governance and lasting growth. The organization says it remains committed to removing the barriers that women and girls still face, from land ownership to leadership access.
