“And remember that this guide is not only a document but a tool that your organization can use to incorporate gender equality into its activities.” With these words, Najla Dhen, Multiplier’s coach (KHNA), closed the launching event of the KCOA´s Gender Guide.

Around 100 participants from various fields related to the African agri-food systems attended the online event on August 7, from 11:00 to 13:00 CEST. These participants included farmers, partners of the KCOA Network, representatives from non-governmental organizations and women’s groups, and others. Both the GIZ and the KCOA Network were in charge of moderation.

 What is the Gender Guide?

After having analyzed the regional and socio-cultural gender relations dynamics in the agricultural sector across over 15 countries in Africa, the focal points of the five Knowledge Hubs integrating the KCOA project came up with this document. The Gender Guide strategically presents means to take the participation of women in the project forward. It provides alternatives and insights to address the different forms of gender inequality to which women and girls contributing to the agri-food systems in Africa are regularly subjected.

What issues for women does the Gender Guide address?

The Guide acknowledges five main obstacles that could potentially prevent women from fully participating in and profiting from KCOA activities:

1. Limited access to and control over resources, including knowledge.
2. Mobility and time constraints
3. Violence
4. Obstacles around participation, engagement, and leadership
5. Cultural and locally specific constraints

Should you also use the Guide?

As stated by Mrs. Dhen, the Guide is an engaging document, a tool that every organization seeking to strengthen a gender equality approach in their projects can implement. The guide covers 9 phases of a project; from design to evaluation, and ensures, therefore, that all possible areas where women might encounter difficulties are covered. The guide is also designed in such a way that every person can navigate it and find a suitable strategy to enrich their specific initiative.

Download the guide here Gender Guide_KCOA-English_2024

French Version : Guide sur l’égalité des Genres_CCAB-Francais_2024_f

Prepared by Pamella Magino