Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD2023) will take place in-person in Kigali, Rwanda, as well as virtually, from 17-20 July 2023. The theme for WD2023 is Spaces, Solidarity, and Solutions. We are attending the conference showcasing our initiatives supporting gender equality in the global south.
Humana People to People recognizes the vital importance of gender equity and inclusivity. By embedding gender equality principles and practices in our work, we strive to create a more just, equitable, and resilient world for all. We believe true progress and transformative impact requires an intersectional approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals in all their diversity, including women and girls.
Women Deliver is one of the largest multi-sectoral convenings to advance gender equality, bringing together 6,000 advocates onsite. It has been co-created by grassroots advocates, youth, civil society, governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector and representatives of communities facing systemic discrimination.
WD2023 will use ideas seeking to advance women’s cause in meeting its objectives on addressing issues impacting girls and women ranging from climate change, to gender-based violence, to unpaid care work — and collectively identify and action evidence-based solutions.
“We have deliberately chosen this theme with action in mind,” said Maliha Khan, Women Deliver President and Chief Executive Officer. “Spaces, because it’s only when we create inclusive spaces that we can get to the heart of our challenges; Solidarity, because it’s only when we work together and take collective action that we can create the Solutions needed to advance gender equality and improve the wellbeing of girls and women, in all their intersecting identities.”
For many years, our development activities in the global south have supported women and girls facing exclusion in development activities within their local areas. Our Humana People to People approach is holistic in its delivery as it harnesses the forces of communities it engages, prioritising needs and solutions to achieve community-led development. Our work support women and girls to participate in decision-making, access resources, and contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of their communities. Women and girls work hand-in-hand with men, boys, and local leaders to ensure that inclusive empowerment and development takes place in an enabling environment.
Our climate change and agriculture response utilise gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches, fosters equitable opportunities, and promotes the leadership and agency of women within the agricultural sector. By integrating a gender lens into our agricultural programs and initiatives, we help women to participate actively in agricultural value chains.
Our “Farmers’ Clubs” programme is currently working with over 160,000 smallholder farmers in rural areas across Africa, Asia, Central and South America through a multi-faceted and holistic approach. Smallholder farmers, of whom over 65% are women, are assisted to sustainably improve agricultural production and productivity, as well as to build their resilience to the effects of climate change.
Our member, ADPP Angola, is working with 6,000 smallholder farmers – primarily women – who are organized in Farmers’ Clubs in 120 communities. Women taking part receive various trainings in sustainable farming techniques mostly conservation agriculture to adopt environment friendly farming skills. Women are supported in gaining access to local markets and financing. Other elements include adult literacy, land rights, organising internal savings and lending schemes and tackling gender-based violence.
“Shaping inclusive and co-created spaces that the world so desperately needs to advance sustainable solutions on gender equality is the most promising option to end systemic issues affecting women and girls. It is only after the contributions of many that gender equality will be realized.” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Women Deliver Board Chair.
