In March 2022, CIDT concluded a one-year learning partnership, supporting staff of the Europe Laudes Foundation to integrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into their work. As we reach the middle of year two, we reflect on: what distinguishes a learning partnership from a service provider relationship?

Under phase 1 of the partnership we collaboratively set an intention – a roadmap was developed with learning milestones, along a journey from GESI aware, to GESI sensitive, to GESI transformative thinking and programming.

There was substantial investment in careful diagnosis – setting a baseline to understand the priorities and needs of the Laudes staff, in relation to GESI knowledge, attitudes and practices. A series of actions then emerged including a glossary, case studies, online modules and podcasts – all grounded in deep reflection and evolution with the Foundation teams.

What helped to progress the learning?

• An incremental approach
• The interest and enthusiasm of Laudes Foundation staff, which led to deep engagement
• Grounding GESI in the specific context of Laudes Foundation organisation and culture
• Striving for an organisation-wide approach, which is nuanced to reflect regional and contexts

Above all, we recognised that it takes time to establish a strong learning partnership – one that is based on trust and challenge – and that the role of the learning partner is more open, exploratory, iterative and fluid than that of a service provider.

Our focal areas for phase 2 of the learning partnership include:

• Practical representation of GESI in the grant cycle
• Continuing and amplifying the conversation GESI in the context of climate change
• GESI-responsive organisational procedures

Laudes Foundation is at the forefront of a ‘just transition‘ – a recognition that the dual crises of climate change and inequality are deeply linked, and that this requires an ambitious, global response. CIDT is working closely with two teams focused on the Built Environment and Finance and Capital Market Transformation.

Launched in 2020, Laudes Foundation builds on the work of C&A Foundation, founded by the Brenninkmeijer family.

CIDT consultants, Ella Haruna, Rufsana Begum and Canford Chiroro, were contracted to carry out a meta-analysis of external project evaluations relating to Plan UK programming over a two year period. The review aimed to draw out the learning from these evaluations, research reports and case studies to better understand and evidence the changes that are happening in the lives of adolescent girls as a result of Plan UK’s work.

The team reviewed 55 documents and carried out an initial mapping of the evidence available to select qualifying data for inclusion in the meta-analysis exercise, based on an criteria agreed with Plan UK. A rapid review of the evidence selected from 17 countries drew out key learning across different thematic areas of Plan UK’s work including Education, Protection, Economic Security and Sexual and Reproductive Rights; and an in-depth evidence review was conducted. Consultants successfully delivered two feedback workshop to Plan UK representatives in London, and delivered a 37 page learning report.

In October to November 2015, a gender appraisal was conducted by two CIDT consultants Mary Surridge and Rufsana Begum, in four case study countries to assist Plantwise to operationalize its Gender Strategy and better embed gender and diversity in the Programme. A follow-up workshop was held with all CABI Country Coordinators and other CABI staff at the Annual Planning in Switzerland.

Plantwise (PW) is a global programme, led by CABI, to increase food security and improve rural livelihoods by reducing crop losses. Sustainable networks of local plant clinics provide farmers with practical plant health advice, reinforced by the Plantwise Knowledge Bank, an online gateway to plant health information. Working in close partnership with relevant actors (mainly government extension workers), PW strengthens national plant health systems from within, enabling countries to provide farmers with the knowledge they need to lose less and feed more. Currently, Plantwise works in 34 countries.

As a result of the gender appraisal, Mary and Rufsana were contracted again to further enhance the capability of Plantwise to embed gender and diversity in its programme by building on the findings and recommendations from the gender appraisal. This included: the development of a Gender Resource Pack for all country staff to improve the extent to which they embed gender within their programmes and providing targeted suggestions for amendments to Plant Doctor Training modules to ensure that gender and social inclusion are embedded at appropriate points in the modules.

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CIDT consultants Mary Surridge and Rufsana Begum were contracted along with two regional consultants to conduct an Endline evaluation for CAMFED’s Supporting Young Women to Lead Change in Rural Malawi project.

Camfed has been implementing a three year project support by a grant of final evaluation of $1.7m from the Human Dignity Foundation. The project was aimed at supporting young rural women to lead change through support to the development and structure of the Camfed Association (CAMA), the alumnae network of educated young women who have completed school with Camfed’s support, in Malawi.

The project supported young women who had graduated school. They were given an opportunity to join an alumnae network which provided them with an opportunity to peer support, training and financial resources. The selected young women received training as Core Trainers. These young women then passed on the knowledge to other young women. Alumnae support more vulnerable children through school, multiplying the benefits of their education. As role models and mentors they deliver health, wellbeing and financial literacy programmes, share sustainable agricultural practices and business skills, and sit on local and elected committees, changing the prospects for marginalized people in their communities. The trainings included financial literacy, ICT, health, business and entrepreneurship skills. Acquired skills and seed money enabled them to setup rural businesses.

The consultants travelled to various districts in Malawi including Blantyre Lilongwe, Mangochi and Mchinji to conduct their evaluation. They met with a broad range of in country actors and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, community groups, traditional leaders, school based committees and young women involved in the project.

Following the country visit, the consultants successfully delivered a feedback workshop to CAMFED representatives in Blantyre, presenting the preliminary findings and have delivered a 50 page endline evaluation report.

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