Boosting horizont3000’s Gender Competence: The In-House Training Series

At horizont3000, we are committed to promoting gender equality in all aspects of our work, aligning with the h3000 gender equality policy. Recognising that gender awareness is an ongoing learning process, we initiated a series of in-house training sessions led by our gender expert Maureen Obbayi. These sessions, held every few months, cover a range of gender-related topics relevant to our work in international development.

Training for gender equality steers individual and collective transformation by increasing awareness, prompting reflection on attitudes and behaviours related to gender and promoting positive change.

As a development organisation, it is crucial for us to understand and address gender dynamics in our projects and daily operations. Gender differences demand different programming approaches to meet the unique needs of different groups of men and women. Gender inequalities shape access to and control over resources, access to information, services and opportunities, and decision-making power- in private and public spaces. By equipping our team with knowledge and practical tools, we ensure that our programmes promote inclusion and empowerment, challenge stereotypes, and avoid reinforcing inequalities.

‘‘Continuous education and participatory exchange on gender equality not only helps us to stay informed, but to critically reflect on personal experiences, attitudes, behaviours, and their potential implications. This allows us to critically examine existing gender disparities, identify areas for improvement, challenge harmful stereotypes, and ultimately work towards promoting true equality, which is a fundamental human right.’’

– Maureen Obbayi, gender expert

Each session has explored key gender concepts, practical applications, and their relevance for our work. Topics covered include:

Introduction to Gender and Key Concepts

• Understanding the differences between sex and gender
• Exploring societal gender norms and how they shape behaviour, opportunities and vulnerability
• Discussing gender power relations and their implications

Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

• Defining different forms of GBV (physical, psychological, sexual economic and harmful cultural practices)
• Exploring the root causes, contributing factors and consequences of GBV
• Highlighting international and national legal frameworks for addressing GBV
• Learning about individual and collective responsibility in prevention and response of GBV

Do No Harm from a Gender Perspective

• Understanding the Do No Harm approach and its significance for development projects
• Actively identifying and mitigating unintended negative consequences of interventions
• Exploring gender-sensitive project planning and delivery to prevent harm to communities

Gender-Inclusive Communication

• Consciously using language that avoids gender bias and promotes inclusivity
• Giving visibility to the needs and lived experiences of different genders in all their diversity
• Purposefully choosing non-stereotypical images and visuals for communication materials

This training series remains an ongoing journey. Each session builds on the last, reinforcing a shared responsibility for gender equality within our organisation. By deepening our understanding of these issues, we create a gender-aware workforce and an inclusive institutional culture, which in turn strengthens our ability to design and implement projects that are inclusive, equitable and sustainable.

All horizont3000 partner and member organisations can access the training presentations on the h3 Knowledge Hub - h3 staff can additionally re-watch the recorded sessions.