Sometimes – unlike people working in international development projects overseas – we are working without clearly established principles. Having clear principles can help guide us in our decision-making, and stop us from inadvertently doing things that work against our long term goals. Over the last decade or so, civil society Read more…
Use checklists or survey tools to identify your own organization’s objectives, expectations, roles and responsibilities within the partnership, as well as those of your potential partner, and make certain all partners understand these fully to avoid misunderstandings. Written documentation of the discussions related to the above are critical.
While collaborations operate much more fluidly, an effective communications plan with specific timelines for communications among partners is critical to ensure knowledge is shared. A process can be established within the project or activity cycle that requires partners to identify things they’ve learned as a result of the partnership. These Read more…
Acknowledging that inequalities often exist as a result of power dynamics, especially in funding relationships, partners should strive for equitable partnerships. Think through potential inequalities that could exist in the partnership (from all sides) prior to embarking on the relationship and put structures or processes in place that will ensure Read more…
The best partnerships are dynamic relationships founded in respect and honesty, in which partners strive for better understanding and appreciation of one another. Partnership agreements should take into account that over time the partnership needs to be re-examined to ensure that the good fit remains. Ensure that processes are in Read more…
Partnerships that are built on shared visions and goals will help promote mutual support and solidarity beyond the implementation of specific programs and projects. This principle is particularly important when partnering with other kinds of organizations, including those from the private sector. Partnering with a different sector helps to open Read more…
Making time to discuss and raise awareness about gender equality Gender equality is a shared responsibility. Everyone involved (volunteers, employees, etc.) should feel responsible for ensuring that gender equality gets integrated into the public engagement project and should convey messages that promote equality between women and men. If project leaders Read more…
Designing your awareness-raising activities Civil society organizations use a range of approaches to reach out to and mobilize Canadians on international solidarity issues. For example: information kiosks, conferences, debates, awareness raising workshops, exhibitions, screenings, theatre, workshops in schools, contests, roleplay and simulations, volunteer activities, etc. When debating which approach to Read more…
Setting up your project monitoring system Project monitoring is an ongoing process by which you track progress towards set objectives. To integrate gender equality in your project monitoring system, include some indicators that specifically relate to gender equality and collect sex-disaggregated data for all other project indicators. For example, track Read more…
Crafting your messages Your public speaking engagements and the messages you convey are important because they reflect your organization’s commitment to gender equality. Regardless of the topic of your project, it is important to speak about the role women play and to recognize that women and men may experience the Read more…