Resources

This report and training guide documents experiences from two training of trainer workshops that were conducted in 1997-98 in Nepal to assess reproductive health (RH) needs and to help trainers gain the skills to assist communities in addressing these needs. The workshops were conducted by World Neighbors in partnership with a local non-government group, the Baudha Bahunipati Family Welfare Project (a project of the Family Planning
Association of Nepal). The first chapter introduces the context of the workshops. The second chapter gives account of the æTraining for trainers I: reproductive health and gender workshopÆ presenting several participative exercises to identify, analyse and prioritise RH and gender issues and problems. The exercises include hidden message posters, problem trees, root analyses, pairwise ranking and picture cards. The workshop is concluded with an NGO RH and gender action plan. Chapter three documents the æTraining of trainers II: review and planning workshopÆ and presents further participatory exercises used in the workshop such as indicators puzzle and planning matrix. All in all 15 exercises are presented and described with the help of illustrations and diagrams, together with the finings of the workshops in the context o Nepal.

This case study compares the experiences of two different coalitions in Egypt that were established to advocate the elimination of female genital mutilation (FMG). It provides lessons on what makes alliances work and what pulls them apart, as a critical element of effective advocacy. In addition, it offers both hope and practical advice on dealing with the complex and elusive barrier of culture in promoting womenÆs equality and human rights. The study illustrates the building of FMG task forces on local and national levels, coalitions of organisations and individuals active in several fields of development. It focuses specifically at the forming of a local FMG grassroots coalition in Beni Suef, going through problem analysis; stakeholder analysis using power maps and strategic influence grids; preparation of an action plan; determining coalition policies; steps for ensuring an effective coalition; use of external interventions; organisational outcomes; and measures of sustainability. It is concluded that the critical element contributing to the success of coalition building in Beni Suef was that the movement came from the grassroots. The study was an initiative of the Asia FoundationÆs Global Women in Politics Program (GWIP) supported by USAID (United States Agency for International Development). The study compares the coalition work to the case of the Fayoum Ladies Association (FLA) working for the same objective as the coalition, but established by a para-statal body (the Fayoum Governorate Committee on Women). It is found that although had better support form the state it was not as well integrated in the community and its membership was mainly from the civil sector, such as bureaucrats, and its board came from the government and the ruling party. Egypt, advocacy, influence, women, female circumcision, female genital mutilation

This article shares the author's experiences in promoting gender equality in the æSupport to Generation and Transfer of Agricultural Technology ProjectÆ (PRODETEC) in Nicaragua. They represent important lessons for gender sensitive participatory diagnosis and are applicable to other organisations. The article presents the background to the project, and its two main approaches: farming systems and gender. Rapid gender analysis was carried out at the start of the project and this explored the broad differences between male and female production systems. This is followed by a participatory diagnosis during the planning process phase. The article stresses the need for gender equality in the project, especially in participation in decision making. It offers practical tips on when and how participation may happen. It also offers a clue to increasing female participation as discussion by separate men and womensÆ groups. In conclusion, the article advises that a high or low profile gender approach should be adopted according to what is appropriate and sensitive to the context.