Gender, Disability & Accountability

Funds from Scotland help empower some of the most vulnerable people across the globe but the organisations that we fund, face challenges too. A key focus of our colleagues whether in Nicaragua or India is ensuring that their work is correctly targeted and delivers results. In response to their issues and concerns, SCIAF has produced a new guide, ‘Promoting gender balance, disability awareness and accountability’, to help them develop their work.

The guide brings together information from local organisations overseas, SCIAF staff, other aid agencies and international organisations. The colourful A4 booklet includes questions to provoke discussion, a checklist to assess progress, suggestions on how to strengthen or develop work and a feedback space to document the user’s findings as they address the different themes.

Kitovu Health Care Complex in Uganda is one of the organisations that contributed to the guide. Julius Lutakome who they trained in gender issues, explains why it’s important: “Women were mistreated as slaves. Young girls suffered a lot more than boys as according to tradition and beliefs they had to carry out all duties at home whilst boys just played around. I now feel that women have been helped and they have come out of slavery.’

Graciela Romero, SCIAF Latin America Officer, who produced the guide, explained:

“The local organisations that we fund have a wealth of skills and this was a great way to harness their learning for the benefit of smaller and less experienced groups. We hope the guide will help them approach the issues of gender balance, disability and accountability in a strategic manner. Its easy-to-follow format means that even the smallest agencies can assess their progress in these areas and can propose steps to address any concerns.

“This guide is the first in a series responding to the needs of communities overseas. They mark a commitment from SCIAF to develop relationships and to cultivate a culture of sharing.”

Pic credit: S Bergerson

To receive a copy of the guide call SCIAF on 0141 354 5555 or download one here. The smaller file does not include final artwork.