Gender Mainstreaming in HIV/AIDS Programmes and Capacity Development: A case Study of RATN

1. Gender Mainstreaming in HIV/AIDS
Programmes and in Capacity Development: A
case Study of RATN (Regional AIDS Training
Network )
Track: Capacity Building for Gender and Rights
By
Phyllis Ombonyo (phylliso@ratn.org)
www.ratn.org
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2. About RATN
• RATN is a network of 35 Member Institutions
(MIs) working in eleven (11) countries in Eastern
and Southern Africa (ESA) region in the field of
HIV/AIDS and Health.
• RATN was established in 1997 to facilitate the
strengthening of capacity and skills for effective
HIV response in the region. It functions as a
catalyst for facilitating the development of
Technical and Management skills and capacities.
• More information: www.ratn.org
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3. Setting the Pace
"The definition of insanity is to keep doing the
same things and expecting a different result."
Stephen Covey, Author - "7 Habits of Highly
Successful People"
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4. Background and Objective
• According to UNAIDS 2010, 80% of all HIV-
positive women globally live in Sub-Saharan
Africa (SSA)
• The prevalence rates among women have been
escalating over time (21% in 2001; 59% in 2006
and over 61% in 2011).
• Girls are seen as up to six times more likely to be
infected than boys of the same peer cohort.
• Gender inequalities and harmful cultural norms
are seen as the key drivers of these
disproportionate effects (UNAIDS, 2010).
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5. Background and Objective..cont.
• It is in recognition of this key client group and the
consequent need to factor in gender issues to both the
analysis and response of HIV/AIDS that RATN, in March
2012, embarked on a gender mainstreaming process.
• Its aim was to support MIs to mainstream gender in
their training and capacity development programs and
HIV programming.
• This would ensure that gender concerns are
mainstreamed into the
conceptualization, design, implementation, monitorin
g and evaluation of all
operations, policies, plans, programmes, activities
and projects, at all levels.
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6. Declarations and Commitments
• UN Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (2001)
recognized that gender inequality fuelled the epidemic and
included Article 37 to address the gender dimension.
"When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding
generations are given a better start in life“
There is no tool for development more effective than
empowerment of women."
--Kofi Annan
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7. The Process
• Working alongside a consultant, a representative Gender Working
Group (GWG) was constituted to spearhead the process.
• A comprehensive gender audit was undertaken (March, 2011)
which highlighted the gaps & areas that needed further
strengthening.
• This diagnosis informed the development of the gender policy and
strategy. The policy is implemented at four levels in order to ensure
comprehensive stakeholder involvement; these are namely at the
board, secretariat, member institution and programming level.
• A comprehensive 5 year plan of action within a results-based
monitoring framework of 15 key indicators for tracking its
implementation.
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8. WP Extract: Gender Indicators
# Indicator Target (2014)
1 % of females on the RATN Board 50%
2 % of governance meetings with gender sensitive themes 100%
% of MIs oriented in the introductory module and reporting
3 100%
using the module in their training courses
4 % of MIs reporting utilizing the gender toolbox. 85%
% of alumni reporting having implemented gender aspects
5 60%
within the overall action plans.
6 % of active gender champions 85%
7 Number of gender resources on the RATN website 50%
8 % of RATN MI’s active in gender advocacy events 85%
% of researches or studies that incorporate gender
9 100%
dimensions
1
% of MIs reporting gender budgeting 85%
0 Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building 8

9. Stakeholder Orientation
• Orientation on the Gender Policy and strategy and plan of action for
the RATN board and staff was conducted.
• Gender mainstreaming modules and accompany training manuals
were developed and delivered through 4 training workshops (59
participants) for its MIs.
• The overall purpose was to equip MIs with knowledge, tools and
skills on how to mainstream more of a gender equality approach
into all their training and capacity development programmes.
• Participants developed short-term and long-term action plans
based on the knowledge and skill obtained from the workshop.
• RATN will be following up on them to review their commitments
made as part of the mandatory action planning which formed part
of the workshops.
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10. Challenges and Lessons Learnt
• Stakeholder engagement is key to ensure successful gender
mainstreaming initiatives.
• A technical working group ensures ownership and sustenance
of the initiative; its composition should factor in both genders
and stakeholder representatives.
• There is need to continue dispelling existing misconceptions
about gender which is sometimes taken to mean feminism
and this may not be taken positively by male participants
• There is need for organization to consider development of
gender policies as a starting point to gender mainstreaming.
• Action planning after the end of any training helps
participants to actualize what they have learnt.
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11. Conclusion
• In order to effectively turn the tide towards
the HIV response, gender concerns need to be
factored in all HIV/AIDS Programming and in
capacity building.
• Invitation to the Skills-building session.
"Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can
be no courage unless you're scared." ~Eddie
Rickenbacker
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12. Acknowledgements
• CIDA
• RATN management team
• Nancy Spense
• Gender working Group Members: Kisaakye
V., Mwaura F., Maringa C. Banda E., Godia
A., Mokalake E. (IDM)., Ezekiel B.
(TGNP), Willan S. (HEARD), Madondo T.
(SAfAIDS).
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13. Thanks for listening!
SIYABONGA| WEBALE |ZVAKANAKA|
ZIKOMO| ASANTE | MERCI
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