Eddy Verbeek’s Post

Invest in Women , Accelerate progress

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, we're honored to spotlight the incredible women in our office, each with their unique perspectives and experiences. Today, we're diving into meaningful conversations centered around the themes of "Inspire Inclusion" and "Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress". Ms. Paxina Kabwe, our Principal Officer, was asked: “How can we break down barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated industries?” She said: “Breaking down barriers for women in male-dominated industries in Zambia requires challenging stereotypes such as the belief that certain jobs are "men's work" or that women are less capable in technical or physically demanding roles. For example, in fields like construction, engineering, and technology, women often face assumptions that they lack the skills or strength required for the job. Initiatives to combat these stereotypes could include targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and awareness campaigns highlighting successful women in these industries. Additionally, creating inclusive work environments where women feel supported and respected, regardless of their gender, is essential for encouraging more women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.” It could not have been said any better. Your dedication to challenging stereotypes and promoting gender inclusivity in male-dominated industries sets a powerful example, illustrating the transformative impact of breaking barriers and fostering a more equitable society for women in Zambia. Octagon wishes you and all the women around the globe a Happy International Women’s Day! #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #InvestInWomen

Did you know that 1 in every 10 women worldwide lives in extreme poverty? This isn’t just a United Nations Gu statistic; it’s a stark reality that demands our attention. Behind this number are stories of resilience, strength, and untapped potential. It’s a call to action for all of us to stand united in the fight against poverty, empowering women to break free from its chains. Let’s not just be aware; let’s be advocates for change. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

Building a Future of Economically and Socially Empowered Women in the Digital Era Reflecting on the just concluded Mother's Day, we are happy to highlight the transformative stories emerging from the Ajira Digital Program, particularly its impact on the young women in our country, Kenya. Ajira Digital Program continues to empower young men and women economically and socially especially for those in rural and marginalized areas by providing them access to digital skills and work opportunities. The Program not only offers employment and income generation opportunities but also fosters broader societal changes. Empowered women become advocates, family supporters, and influential community contributors. Young women gain economic participation and social inclusion, enhancing personal growth and community resilience. The stories of Chuuza. Africa and FUNDIS APP are a testament to this transformation, with women transitioning from low-paying jobs to tech careers or starting their own businesses. Emma Wafula's journey exemplifies Ajira Digital's empowering effect, showcasing how the Program has provided her with skills, income, and a supportive community. However, challenges remain. The digital gender divide persists, with only 35% of women able to use advanced digital services. Ajira Digital is actively working to bridge this gap by targeting interventions that enhance women’s access to digital opportunities. Looking ahead, Ajira Digital sets ambitious goals: to increase women’s participation in digital jobs to 70%, with a keen focus on marginalized communities and refugee camps. As we celebrate young women and mothers, let's acknowledge the role of digital and digitally-enabled work in empowering women and fostering gender equality and community development through digital empowerment. Together, we can advance the digital economy and empower more women to become technology leaders. https://lnkd.in/duAGbT7q #digitalwork #youthemployment #DigitalEconomy Mastercard Foundation eMobilis Mobile Technology Institute

What comes to our minds when we see a woman at work? We see evidence of success after a long history and struggle for emancipation. We see a woman’s beautiful dream come true. We see a passion and art only women possess and carry to whatever they do. We always see smiles. We see success. We see Shine for Change. When we see women working, we are reminded of our prime mission and commitment to support whatever women do. Under our different Women’s Economic Empowerment Projects, we are traversing rural Uganda as we try to build formidable and working groups of women that are self aware, healthy, able to creatively solve their own and community challenges while pioneering sustainable change for their lives, families, communities and our Country. What comes to your mind when you see women at work? #women #shineforchange #economicemancipation #dreams #womenatwork

🌟 Discover how our Driving Women's Economic Empowerment (DWEE) programme is transforming the lives of women in rural #Pakistan in our latest blog post. Learn how we’re creating a ripple effect of positive change in communities. https://lnkd.in/e5skp2wK #WomenEmpowerment #EconomicEmpowerment #Pakistan #BritishAsianTrust

To celebrate International Women's Day, we must address all aspects of it! In the last few years, women have been on the frontlines as Sri Lanka grapples with a global pandemic, an economic meltdown, and the ongoing political and governance crisis. Every day, women from diverse backgrounds are agents of change and social transformation for collective freedom in the social and political spheres. Yet, Sri Lankan women are seldom recognized for their everyday contributions. Creating spaces where women can voice their concerns, share their experiences, and actively participate in decision-making processes is crucial for fostering inclusive development and progress. Empowering women requires providing them with the due agency and resources to create spaces, build communities, and celebrate them. By empowering women, we not only address gender inequalities but also pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. Empowered women will empower the future! 🙌 Immensely proud to be a part of Hashtag Generation , that is not only led by young people but also empowers young people like myself to engage in work that creates real change! From lobbying policy changes to engaging in evidence based approaches to change stereotypical narratives, we do it all! And together, we will fight against all forms of inequalities, and make this country one step closer to being inclusive! #InternationalWomensDay #InspireInclusion

Women make up over 70% of our workforce in Florensis Kenya, excelling in all job categories. We call them "our ladies" because their ability to seamlessly integrate skills such as planning, organizing, empathy and multitasking has majorly contributed to the success of our organization. Due to their priceless contributions to our organization and surrounding communities, we strive to empower our ladies through our gender mainstreaming plan which we launched in 2019, to tackle issues like flawed policies, cultural biases, and limited support systems. This plan involves projects focusing on social empowerment, economic empowerment, and career development for our female staff. The projects are categorized in three target areas; awareness, resources, and safeguards, whereby we implement activities such as involving our ladies in technological advancements and innovations within the organization to #InspireInclusion, education on sexual health, mental health and financial literacy, free daycare, maternity support and provision of sanitary materials, and ensure safeguards like regular gender audits and transparent processes. As we commit to increase our support for our ladies, we wish all women a happy #InternationalWomensDay2024. #IWD2024 #ChooseToChallenge #WomensRights #GenderEquality

Empowering Women: Accelerating Progress Together As we commemorate International Women's Day, the Alliance for Community Action proudly acknowledges the profound impact of women within our organization, our nation, and the global community. Our celebration aligns seamlessly with the official theme set forth by the Zambian government: "Invest in Women and Girls: Accelerate Progress." Within our organization, women serve as not just members of staff and team leaders, but as the driving force behind our collective success. They embody resilience, wisdom, and innovation, shaping our initiatives and strategies with their unique perspectives and expertise. Beyond our borders, women in Zambia stand as leaders, educators, healthcare providers, security personnel, and peacemakers, propelling progress and fostering positive change in every facet of society. Their contributions are invaluable, their potential boundless. At ACA, we are committed to investing in women and girls, recognizing them as catalysts for sustainable development and social transformation. By empowering women, we accelerate progress, unlocking new opportunities for growth, prosperity, and equality for all. Let us all reaffirm our dedication to supporting women and girls in Zambia and beyond. Together, let us champion their rights, amplify their voices, and create an environment where they can thrive and flourish. As we navigate the path towards a more just, equitable, and inclusive world, let us unite in our efforts to invest in women and girls, accelerating progress for generations to come. Happy International Women's Day! #internationalwomensday2024 #inspireinclusion

#happyinternationalwomensday 🤩🎂🍾 #USAID #YALI 🇺🇸🇬🇭 Theme: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. We have the potential to be in other spaces, not only in the kitchen. I love the theme: Inspire inclusion💓. *When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. *And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. *Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women. *When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not? *When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice. *When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action. ORGANIZATION AND GROUPS CAN #INSPIREINCLUSION THROUGH ACTION IN AREAS SUCH AS: *Forging women's economic empowerment *Recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent. *Supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM. *Designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls. *Helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health. *Involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security. *Providing women and girls with access to quality education and training. *Elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sports. *Promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls. *Addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls. Lets come together to push this agenda💪🔥 Happy International Women's Day to all females in the diaspora 🎂🍾. You are enough, continue being you 🥰💓💓💓. Enjoy the season 🥳. #ghanamonth🇬🇭