About 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 RightsBy Phyllis Ombonyo (phylliso@ratn.org) www.ratn.org Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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 Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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" Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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). Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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, monitoring and evaluation of all operations, policies, plans, programmes, activities and projects, at all levels. Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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 Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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. Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

8. WP Extract: Gender Indicators Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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. Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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. Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

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 Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

12. Acknowledgements • CIDA • RATN management team • Nancy Spense • Gender working Group Members: Kisaakye V., Mwaura F., Maringa C. Banda E., Godia A., MokalakeE. (IDM)., Ezekiel B. (TGNP), Willan S. (HEARD), Madondo T. (SAfAIDS). Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building

13. Thanks for listening! Siyabonga| webale |Zvakanaka| ZIKOMO| Asante | Merci Turning the Tide on HIV & Health through Capacity Building