CDSF conducted Gender Toolkit Training-of-Trainers (TOT) from March 10-13, 2018 in Gondar City, Amhara Region. Twenty-eight participants (10 women and 18 men) drawn from zonal and regional bureaus of Agriculture, Regional AGP Coordination Unit (RAGP CU), Livestock Production Development and Regional Women’s Affairs Office participated in the training.

The participants included capacity development specialists, agriculture extension and livestock experts, zonal AGP focal persons as well as zonal CDSF capacity development officers.

Participants appreciated the adult education experiential and participatory learning training approach, tools and instruments as well as the facilitation skills of the trainers.  Participants also expressed their readiness to apply their newly gained skills in their work place and scale up the tools.

At the end of the training, participants rated the training as useful, relevant and applicable.

Genet Tilahun, animal production expert at the Department of Livestock Development of South Gondar Zone said the following about the training.

“I have worked in the agricultural sector for more than 14 years at Kebele, woreda and zonal levels. This training has really changed some of my understanding about gender and gender issues. For instance, I used to think that gender issues were only women’s issues. I now realize that gender equality issues refer both to women and men. I have become familiar with different gender mainstreaming tools and techniques and will, no doubt, use these tools to minimize the widespread gender inequalities in our area.

The role identification tool, the 24-hour activity sheet, and resource access and control profile household action plan sheet are very helpful guidance tools to be used in my sector. I request the regional team to provide us with continuous follow up and support in our efforts to apply our new skills and use the tools.”