Gender equality: EU-funded training strengthens Eastern Neighbourhood CSOs’ strategic vision and resilience
A three-day regional training, held on 23–25 June by the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project, enhanced the capacities of civil society organisations to advance gender equality in reforms and promote sustainable, transformative change across the Eastern Neighbourhood region. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by NIRAS.
Fifty advocates for gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine gathered online for the training to gain in-depth knowledge of legal frameworks, strategic planning in fragile contexts, and financial sustainability for organisations working to promote gender equality.
Participants explored the European Union’s legal frameworks for gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights, including the EU Gender Equality Strategy and the LGBTQI+ Equality Strategy, alongside relevant directives. They also emphasised the importance of aligning national laws with EU standards, particularly in light of the EU accession process.
Interactive sessions on strategic planning and systems thinking in fragile contexts introduced participants to analytical tools and theory of change frameworks. Participants identified systemic challenges in their environments, such as limited civic space and ongoing inequalities, and began developing customised strategies to enhance organisational resilience and influence.
Sessions on resource mobilisation and financial sustainability provided CSOs with practical tools to diversify their funding sources, engage with donors and develop social enterprises aligned with their missions. Case studies from across the region highlighted how women’s rights organisations are adapting their fundraising strategies to meet local realities and adapt to changing donor priorities. Participants exchanged insights on combatting anti-gender equality backlash, promoting inclusive policies and building cross-border partnerships.
“In the face of rising challenges, this training not only helped us understand the European Union’s frameworks better, but also encouraged us to reflect on our internal strategies and sustainability as agents of change,” one of the participants said.
As political volatility and funding cuts continue to affect the Eastern Neighbourhood region, the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk initiative aims to offer vital knowledge, solidarity and support for grassroots actors advancing gender justice, inclusion and democratic resilience.
Learn more about the EU’s support for gender equality in the Eastern Neighbourhood region
Factsheet on the EU4Gender Reform Helpdesk Phase II
EU4Gender Equality Helpdesk Phase II project page
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