IGAD launches regional workshop to review, validate Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched a three-day regional workshop to review and validate its Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit, tailored for IGAD divisions.

According to a statement by IGAD, the workshop will bring together technical representatives from across IGAD to refine the toolkit and ensure alignment with institutional goals and regional gender equality frameworks.

“This initiative reinforces IGAD’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) across the region.” The statement read.

Despite notable progress, gender disparities remain a pressing challenge in the IGAD region with women and girls facing systemic barriers to education, employment, credit, land, and leadership opportunities.

IGAD underscores that tackling these inequalities is not only a matter of rights but also vital for achieving sustainable development and effective governance.

The revised toolkit builds on IGAD’s earlier efforts to institutionalise gender mainstreaming, including the development of its first Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines and Tools between 2010 and 2017. These were designed to implement the IGAD Gender Policy and Strategy, supporting the integration of gender considerations across sectoral programs.

However, a 2024 Institutional Gender Needs Assessment identified inconsistencies and gaps in training across divisions, highlighting the need for a more tailored and cohesive approach.

In response, IGAD commissioned an expert consultant to update the toolkit, aligning it with the IGAD Gender Equality Strategy (2023–2030) and addressing the specific needs of each division.

The workshop objectives include: Validating the revised Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit, ensuring alignment with IGAD’s Gender Equality Strategy, Gender Policy, and regional frameworks, addressing division-specific gender priorities and technical requirements.

Additionally, fostering institutional ownership and endorsement of the toolkit and supporting uniform, customized gender training programs across IGAD.

Once finalised, the toolkit will serve as a practical resource for technical staff and program managers, equipping them to mainstream gender more effectively and foster inclusive, transformative development across the region.