OBJECTIVES
The workshop has the following key objectives:
- To disseminate findings from the rapid Gender and Social Inclusion desk review.
- To raise awareness on gender-equitable and socially inclusive policies using a policy analysis framework/checklist.
- To develop a Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy for Ebonyi State.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
IHP means the Integrated Health Program. It is a contract between Ebonyi State and USAID for five years. The contract started on April 6, 2020, and will last till April 5, 2025. The target beneficiaries are Women of Reproductive age, Children under five including Newborns, Adolescent girls, etc.
The goal of the Integrated Health Program (IHP) in Ebonyi State task order 6 (TO6) is to contribute to State level reductions in child and maternal morbidity and mortality. The purpose is to implement priority primary health interventions in Ebonyi State.
BRAINSTORMING
Gender issues affecting Health Outcomes:
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Early marriage
- Gender bias and cultural belief
- Ignorance
- Harmful practices to widowhood
- Abortion
The concept of Gender, Gender roles, Gender equity and social inclusion were defined. The difference between Gender mainstreaming and integration. Why Gender mainstreaming is important to a health program. Identify ways for Gender and social inclusion mainstreaming into health programs. Some of the ways identified were:
- To give equal employment opportunities to both genders
- Involve both male and female in family deliberation and assign equal chores at home
- Incorporating gender at the institutional level.
- Incorporate gender sensitivity into provider training
- Using gender and socially inclusive language in policies and guidelines
- Develop an M&E plan that is gender-responsive and inclusive of marginalized groups.
METHODS USED TO ACHIEVE WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
We were grouped into different classes. We deliberated on the need for gender-based policies to implement equal gender role and social inclusion. It was a highly interactive session where everyone aired his or her view.
Each day we had a recap of the previous day’s activities before moving into the day’s matters arising. There was a presentation of Gender and Social Inclusion Desk Review Findings and Recommendations in Ebonyi /FCT (Presentation inclusive of the policy checklist) by IHP GSI& CE Advisor.
OUTCOMES OR KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
On the last day, we deliberated extensively on the recommendations provided by IHP based on their findings which include the following areas:
- Leadership and Governance/ Health Information Systems
- Access to Commodities
- Women and Families
- Men and boys
- Marginalized group
CONCLUSION
The workshop was very enlightening and impactful as the issues on Gender Equity and Social Inclusion were extensively discussed and major points of practical steps to take for implementation were also highlighted.
