IFAD

‘Study Tours’ yield dividends for participants

 

 

 

In a recent series of “study tours” focused on gender and rural empowerment, people from across Latin America (and across the world) came together in El Salvador and Guatemala to share their insights on gender equality and contemporary issues affecting people living in rural poverty across the region. The study tours were made possible through the IFAD-FAO Gender Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Grant.

 

And while plenty of reports and emails will come out documenting the study tours (a video is even in the works), the insightful letters of thanks from the study tour participants, themselves, provide a surprising glimpse into many of the pressing issues facing the region. 

 

“The tour in El Salvador was really beneficial for me to understand and experience gender mainstreaming in the rural development process. Truly, many concepts as were presented are not commonly utilized in Grenada, however, they represent valuable approaches for rural individuals, family and community development. During the tour I reflected on some of the challenges that may be encountered in implementing some aspects, however, I also recognize that as Human and Social Capital Building Specialist, there are several feasible approaches that can be taken to enable people to address socio-economic issues in the rural settings in Grenada. Emphasis on the value chain, “inclusive family development” and the use of “demonstrator families” within communities were of special interest. The inclusive community development approach was also notable…” – Lindonne Glasgow, Human and Social Capital Specialist, MAREP, Grenada.

 

“Primero que todo tengo que agradecerle la oportunidad que me ha brindado, en tan bonita experiencia de conocer las diferentes punto de vista de género y empoderamiento rural, de nuestros hermanos latinoamericanos. La experiencia fue y es enriquecedora, que ha ampliado mis horizontes profesionales, y que todo éstos conocimientos, de seguro se van aplicar en pro de un proyecto PARTICIPA mejor, siempre visualizando la equidad y oportunidad de participación de hombres, mujeres, jóvenes y niños…” – Ing. Miguel Rivera. H. Coordinador. Proyecto de Desarrollo Participativo y Modernización Rural. PARTICIPA

 

 

Posted by Greg Benchwick

 

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