Update from our Q-Point colleague Lisa! Last week, she was in Ethiopia to give training on how to create a gender sensitive learning environment. Together with Fikadu, she trained the management and staff of various departments of Wolaita Sodo ATVET. The training topics included on gender- and inclusion related issues in agricultural value chains in Ethiopia.

The week began by understanding the basic theory of value chain management and how to conduct an analysis of the current situation in the value chain. After that, possible interventions on how to move towards a more inclusive value chain were identified in groups.

On day two, much needed practical experience was gained in the field, when the group visited a rural community in the area in order to see the gender-situation at play in real life. The participants practiced roleplay about controversial gender-related scenarios on topics which are currently at play in the Ethiopian society. The discussed topics, included marriage, contraception and decision making. In this way, sensitive topics were made discussable in a playful manner!

The goal of the training was to convert the theory and fieldwork findings in a gender policy tailored to the needs of Wolaita Sodo and implementation of a gender office and gender-sensitive measures to strengthen the vision and mission of the agricultural college. An impression of the week can be seen here:

Thanks to the participants for the active participation and thanks to Wolaita Sodo ATVET, NUFFIC, Yess Ethiopia and Gender2Connect for the great collaboration. Looking forward to continue working together in the future!

Do you want to know more? Read the full project on the website here.