Aga Khan Foundation’s AGECS Global Learning Event sparks international collaboration for Gender Equality and Community Development

BY BETTY MUJUNGU

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) stands as a prominent global development organization committed to addressing the root causes of poverty across continents, particularly in Africa. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, the foundation focuses on establishing robust community institutions to drive sustainable, locally led initiatives, thereby improving the lives of millions of people.

Drawing on its deep roots in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, the AKF blends local knowledge with global best practices to bring about transformative and enduring improvements in the quality of life. The Aga Khan Foundation hosted a 7-day Global Learning Event for its program titled “Advancing Gender Equality through Civil Society” (AGECS) at the Pride Inn Paradise Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, from the 11th to the 17th of February  2024.

Mr Kennedy Chande, the Regional Project Manager for AGECS, said the event’s purpose was to bring together all AGECS partners, including local CSOs, universities, researchers, and AKDN partners from Africa and Asia. “The key objectives included encouraging peer-to-peer learning, reflecting on evidence, exchanging strategies, and identifying opportunities for capacity strengthening,” He said.

Mr Azamat from Kyrgyzstan, representing the Roza Otumbaeva’s Initiative public foundation, said the Global Learning Event provided a space for exchanging ideas with other people from other countries. “The Global Learning Event is a space where I have gained a lot of ideas from other participants’ experiences. Challenges we face in our communities exist in other countries as well, and I have seen that solutions are available for every challenge,” He said.  The event’s openness was a significant highlight for Mr Azamat, who appreciated that every participant had a space to speak and that at the end of the event, he found the diverse ideas and learnings beneficial for both personal growth and the advancement of his organization and community.

Ms Dipika Deepali, representing Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSPI), said the discussions during the learning event, particularly around gender themes saying these themes, when presented as indicators, were not extensively incorporated into measuring progress in India. She expressed enthusiasm for innovative ideas such as “Femtorship” and referral mechanisms addressing gender-based violence in Africa and Asia, along with unique approaches like raising awareness through drama and poetry.

Ms. Joyce Peter Tarimo from Tanzania’s Morogoro Paralegal Center  said the event had an impact on her understanding of cultural and normative aspects.

“I have learned a lot in the event from other partners and organizations on how they handle things, especially those related to culture and norms,” she said.

she emphasized the need to incorporate mental health, climate change in gender equality, and self-care into their organization’s programs, recognizing the toll on women as they address various issues.

Participants in the seven-day learning event represented 15 countries, including Canada, Madagascar, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Portugal, Pakistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Morocco, Afghanistan, Egypt, Dubai among others.

In essence, the Aga Khan Foundation’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and knowledge-sharing through events like the AGECS Global Learning Event reinforces its mission to empower communities and drive positive change.

The diverse perspectives and experiences brought forward by participants contribute to a rich tapestry of insights, laying the foundation for sustained progress in the pursuit of gender equality and community development.