By Mirriam Nasilele
Amidst an atmosphere of anticipation, more than 30 changemakers from East and Southern Africa, including Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Zambia through the Alinea project, convened for a transformative two-day workshop on gender mainstreaming between 28 and 29 August 2024 in Ethiopia. This was not just another training session; it was a profound exploration into the pervasive influence of gender inequality on all aspects of life and how to combat it. With the backing of the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), the focus was on instigating tangible change through gender-transformative strategies.
Guiding this transformative workshop was Viktoria Saxby, a distinguished gender expert with a fervent commitment to educate and inspire. Her unique perspective not only challenged the group to redefine gender beyond conventional discussions but also empowered them to delve into the roots of inequality and how to address them within their respective countries. Her call to action was not just a buzzword but a powerful motivator that inspired the participants.
The participants were introduced to concepts such as the ‘triple burden’ women face—juggling unpaid domestic work, paid work, and community responsibilities. They were equipped with practical tools to infuse gender considerations into every phase of project design and execution. Viktoria emphasised that this was not about mere compliance but ensuring that women and girls were integral to every discourse and decision.
One of the most potent discussions was on ‘Positive Masculinities’ where the group explored how to include men and boys in the gender equality journey. It was eye-opening for many, who realised that real progress could only be made when men became part of the solution. This wasn’t about shifting blame but fostering shared responsibility, making the participants feel included and valued in the journey towards gender equality, knowing that their contributions are crucial to the mission’s success.
A key highlight was the Moser Method, a gender analysis tool that helped the participants unpack how different decisions and policies impact men, women, boys, and girls in unique ways. They engaged in hands-on exercises that pushed them to critically evaluate their projects, ensuring that gender inequalities were identified and addressed. This practical approach left the participants feeling equipped and confident in their ability to make a difference.
But the workshop wasn’t just theoretical. The participants were taken on a journey through real-life examples, including a stark reminder of the World Bank’s decision to cancel a road project in Uganda after sexual assault allegations surfaced. This sobering example highlighted how crucial it is to integrate gender perspectives into Social Impact Assessments to avoid harmful outcomes. Gender equality isn’t just about policy; it’s about lives at risk when these considerations are overlooked. For instance, women in Zambia hold only 15% of parliamentary seats and 16% of ministerial positions, indicating a severe underrepresentation in decision-making roles.
Conversations about power dynamics also took centre stage, particularly around Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). Viktoria spoke passionately about the Egyptian case study, where a staggering 99% of women reported experiencing harassment. This statistic was a chilling reminder of the global nature of gender-based violence, and it resonated deeply with the participants. It wasn’t just numbers but a rallying cry to create safe environments where women could thrive without fear.
As the workshop drew close, the room had a palpable shift. Armed with new knowledge and tools, the participants weren’t just thinking about gender equality in the abstract anymore. They were thinking about their communities, projects, and the change they could bring. They discussed Sida’s expectations for gender-focused investments, which include collaborating with partners across the board to support inclusive development and reflecting on how to incorporate these priorities into their work.
Zambia’s gender statistics in the workplace reveal significant disparities between men and women. Women’s labour force participation stands at 27.2%, while men’s participation is much higher at 43.7%. Men account for 60.2% of the employed population, dominating formal employment at 67.8%. Women’s representation is deficient in industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing, without the exception of the conservation sector. The highest percentage (61%) of women are employed in household activities. The gender gap extends to decision-making roles. Factors contributing to these disparities include patriarchal societal norms, unconscious gender bias, lack of adequate training, and inequitable access to education and productive resources. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions and societal change is crucial to promoting gender equality in Zambia’s workforce, especially in the conservation sector.
Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Zambia actively addresses gender inequality through its organisational structure, ensuring that gender equity is embedded across its projects. The board comprises seven members: three women and four men, while the organisation consists of 23 women and 32 men. These numbers reflect a near balance in gender representation, demonstrating WCP’s commitment to fostering gender equity.
A standout initiative is WCP’s Women for Conservation (W4C) programme, which empowers over 500 women by creating a robust and supportive network that encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Through quarterly events and virtual mentorship programs, W4C provides women valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and advance in the traditionally male-dominated conservation sector. Leadership and empowerment training further equip women with the tools to overcome gender-based violence and unequal opportunities, positioning them as influential leaders in conservation.
The Conservation Careers Fair further promotes gender balance by ensuring solid female representation in panel discussions and talks, showcasing the skills and contributions of women in the conservation workspace.
The takeaway? Gender equality isn’t just a goal; it’s a transformative journey that involves everyone: men, women, boys, and girls. It’s about understanding the systems that keep inequality alive and dismantling them piece by piece. And most importantly, it’s about action, ensuring that every decision leaves no one behind.
This article was made possible by a partnership between Daily Nation and WCP Zambia.
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