Eastern Africa Agency, Social & Gender Norms Learning Collaborative’s Post

Inclusivity in innovation is something that I hold dear to me, and my team and I are committed to ensuring all South Africans benefit and grow through advances in technology. Here is an opinion piece published in the Sunday Times Live, I hope you find it interesting. https://lnkd.in/d3GJxpvd

Now published in Review of International Studies: How do international organisations survive during crises? Adopting a feminist postcolonial and care ethics approach to study IOs, we investigate how staff across the UN system engage in business continuity & bureaucratic resilience-building during the first 18 months of the COVID crisis. We contend that staff facilitated IO bureaucratic survival organically, from the bottom up, in four ways: demonstrating good performance and productivity; being adaptable and resilient; maintaining personal spheres of influence; and building communities of care within the UN. Yet staff are required to perform as 'neoliberal subjects', navigating complex principal-agent relations and an unequal employment regime. During the COVID crisis, race and gender global power hierarchies in the UN system become more pronounced as regional duty stations compete to be 'in the line of sight' of head offices. Our research draws on 28 in-depth interviews and a staff survey completed by over 100 staff in the UN system from 32 offices around the world, concerning implementing the Secretary General's 'Alternative Working Arrangements directive' (March 2020-August 2021). My co-author Sarah Newnham and me are very grateful to all the staff who gave up their time to engage in the project, and UN Women. Link to article: https://lnkd.in/gchhsX2e

There is a greater appreciation for social behavioural change (SBC) work rooted in Indigenous people’s experiences, expertise and voices. However, much must be done to amplify practitioner experiences with implementing programmes that work with and for people. This critical conversation presents an open discussion on Indigenous and community-led approaches for decolonising social norms, gender and agency work. We want you to share your knowledge and experiences in elevating your Indigenous history, culture, and knowledge. We want to hear your voices on aspects that make a program decolonial, how you effectively harness Indigenous knowledge to decolonise SBC interventions and constraints that your experience. This discussion shall be kick-started with Indigenous people and practitioners sharing how Twaweza - ni sisi and Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS - SP) put communities at the centre to harness and/or build their agency and apply it in creating the change they desire. Twaweza - ni sisi and ICS - SP have a long-standing presence in Eastern Africa. Date: July 10, 2024 Time: 17:00 EAT l 7:00 PST l 10:00 EST l 14:00 GMT l 16:00 CET l 15:00 WAT l 19:30 IST Please follow this link to register: https://lnkd.in/gbTeDYQP Once you register, you will receive an email with the Microsoft Teams link and a calendar invite. Please feel welcome to share this with anyone interested in decolonising development practice. We look forward to your presence at this event. The Eastern Africa Agency, Social & Gender Norms Learning Collaborative

I had the opportunity to present my paper "Digitalization and the gender divide" at the Asian Think Tank Forum 2024: Digitalization as an Opportunity for Inclusive Growth in Asia and the Pacific, held in Jakarta on 2-4 October 2024. It was a fantastic line-up of speakers focusing on various aspects of digitalization. The papers and presentations can be found in the link below. #digitalization #inclusivegrowth https://lnkd.in/gC4p8xdZ

#internationalwomensday Special issue of Maritime Economies this month is dedicated to Women. Congratulations to all women - those who are visible, including esteemed colleagues from the industry featured in this issue, and those who do great things silently. They all do battle in their own special way. Congratulations for their strength, achievements and perseverance. Education is the tool for improving the condition of women. Let me thank LibertyPress for giving me the chance to express my views in the Women of Influence 2024 issue about the following questions: 1. Effects of the global health pandemic and the war in Eastern Europe on the sector I am involved with; 2. Impacts on global shipping from wars (Ukraine, Gaza); 3.Reasons for increased inflation even in developed countries 4. Female leadership. As mentioned in my interview "The cascading effect of disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and hostilities such as the ones experienced at present suggest that the benefits of peace for humans, trade and shipping are unfortunately disregarded". From my stance as an educator and industry trainer, I believe that "regardless of being a CEO or a new entrant, the need to revisit and understand in a structured way the rapidly changing landscape in which shipping operates cannot be overestimated".  In the training room and on-line, "I see highly motivated professionals pursuing, often on a self-sponsored basis, learning projects of varied levels.  I am truly pleased to see so many professionals, regardless of gender, background or seniority, having confidence in their instructor, and sharing their strengths and weaknesses. A true leader is inevitably a life-long learner".  Dionisis Politis Efi Kollia #internationalwomensday2024 #inclusion #prosperity #humanrights #equality #sustainablesociety

EKITI STATE’S YOUTH INCLUSION VISION The vision for youth inclusion in Ekiti State is to create a vibrant, empowered, and inclusive youth population that actively participates in and contributes to the socio-economic, cultural, and political development of the state. This vision encompasses the following key elements: 6. Innovation: Harnessing the creativity, ingenuity, and technological prowess of youth to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in Ekiti State, positioning them as catalysts for economic growth and prosperity.

Oh Speaking yesterday at the Asia-Africa Economic Forum was thought provoking in a global #business #education #culture sense so here are some major points: 💡Africa's Potential: Recognized as a key player in global supply chains. Seen as the "Blue Ocean" of the future. 💡Investment Focus: Importance of investing in sustainable businesses through Asian partnerships. Innovation should prioritize value creation for people, purpose, and the planet. 💡Environmental Responsibility: Shared environment needs collective care; its health is linked to our well-being. 💡Renewable Energy Access: Many remote countries face challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. Contrast with countries like the Netherlands where access is widespread. 💡Addressing Global Crises: Emphasis on investments to combat climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Advocacy for a "give-back" mindset that promotes sustainable growth. 💡Evolving Capitalism: Capitalism must become a force for good with positive social and environmental impacts. 💡Support for Local Economies: Essential to support agriculture, fishing, and small businesses through capacity building. Need for experienced investors and knowledge-sharing programs. 💡Digitalization and Inclusion: Expanding access to digitalization and financial inclusion is critical for promoting equality and inclusion. 💡Infrastructure and Connectivity: Importance of infrastructure and logistics to connect communities and serve remote areas. 💡Youth and Gender Equality: Investing in youth and empowering female leaders is crucial for addressing current crises. Focus on long-term planning aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 💡International Cooperation: Essential for achieving the SDGs through connection, communication, and collaboration. 💡Call to Action: Encouragement to unite for global cooperation and a shared purpose. Aim to build a world of peace, prosperity, and equality. Thankyou tothe professionals and organizers who facilitated the event - Passion Vista Brainz Magazine #aaef2024 Able Wanamakok Amb Lindsay Kiptiness Dr. Priscilla "Dr. P" Kucer Dr Vrishali Rohankar The Drum Cafe Vivek Panwar #globalmattersbook

Technology and Digitisation is the future for Pakistan’s Growth and Global Impact. Recent National Human Development Report on Digital Development by UNDP , UNDP Pakistan clearly highlights the impact and need of Pakistan digital infrastructure improvements. We have a big and talented youth we can empower and bring change through technology and that’s the way forward! Had a chance to cover the report launch and saw some insights seems very promising. Looking forward to make more content in Tech and Organisations space to make the world a better place United Nations UN Partnerships European CommissionEuropean Union USAID

Why does the current humanitarian system need reform? Politics. Ethics. Power. If you agree, you'll appreciate this resource: Feminist and Place-Based Responses to Crises and Forced Displacement from The Feminist Humanitarian Network, Quicksand Design Studio, and Women's Refugee Commission. If you don't agree, read it anyway. 🙃 JRNY Consulting has conducted evaluations, research, and assessments across dozens of humanitarian partners of varying composition and response. We recognise the main areas plaguing humanitarianism identified in the resource: 🛑 Neglecting the root causes of conflict which drive forced displacement. 🛑 Absence of an intersectional lens and a 'one-size-fits-all' approach that doesn't account for differential impact. 🛑 Marginalisation of place-based actors' agency, competencies, and capacities. 🛑 Lack of accountability to affected populations. Why does humanitarianism need an intersectional feminist frame and Place-based responses? 🧐 🌟 Feminist Humanitarianism emphasises protecting human rights, self-determination, individual and community sovereignty, gender transformation, and leadership. 🌟 Placed-based Humanitarianism is people-centred, location-based, problem-based, opportunity-driven, and owned by affected communities. This is an important conversation missing among 'mainstream' humanitarian actors. Check it out and let us know what you think. 👇🏾

Delighted to complete the UNITAR and IBM course, expanding skills in empowering Africa's future through digital skills for women and youth in Africa . Grateful for the journey and resources. Now, I'm thrilled to empower Africa's future, bridging the digital divide with digital skills for women and youth. Let's harness technology for positive change! #UNITAR #IBM #DigitalSkills #Empowerment #Africa #WomenInTech"