PAVING THE PATH TO INCLUSIVITY AND PROTECTION

Celebrating Wins and Achievements

Participants reflected on the significant strides URCS has made in integrating PGI across its operations. The 2023/2024 plan yielded impactful results, such as increased awareness of PGI principles across all levels, enhanced capacity-building for staff and volunteers, and strengthened integration of gender-sensitive approaches in program delivery. Success stories from various branches demonstrated how PGI-focused interventions have positively influenced communities, creating more inclusive and equitable environments for all.

Navigating Challenges and Emergent Issues

While celebrating these achievements, the review also revealed challenges that slowed progress. Resource constraints, gaps in localized capacity, and the need for more effective coordination mechanisms emerged as critical areas for improvement. Participants also discussed emergent issues, such as the growing intersectionality of vulnerabilities in the face of shifting socio-economic conditions, necessitating adaptive and innovative responses in PGI implementation.

Revising and Aligning the 2024-2026 Plan

The second half of the workshop focused on revising the PGI Plan for 2024-2026 to align seamlessly with URCS’s 2025-2030 Strategy, where PGI is a cornerstone. The updated plan seeks to deepen the integration of PGI within URCS’s institutional culture, policies, and processes. This includes expanding capacity-building initiatives, reinforcing partnerships, and advocating for the resources needed to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. The plan envisions a URCS where inclusivity is not just an operational priority but an organizational identity.

Recommendations and the Way Forward

Workshop participants developed key recommendations, including enhanced monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track PGI progress, increased leadership at the branch level, and expanded partnerships to leverage global best practices. Continuous awareness campaigns were also recommended to ensure PGI principles resonate deeply within communities and with local leaders, fostering more profound, community-driven commitment to inclusivity.

The Role of the Skybird Program

The Skybird Program, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), was instrumental in making this review possible. The program's focus on enhancing institutional capacity, promoting women’s leadership, and fostering inclusivity and social cohesion aligns perfectly with URCS’s vision for PGI. Operating across Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, Skybird’s support provided valuable insights and resources that will bolster the robustness and impact of the updated PGI Plan.

A Bold Future Ahead

As URCS moves forward, the revised PGI Plan for 2024-2026 is a testament to the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive and protective environment for all. The workshop underscored that while progress has been made, the journey towards embedding PGI across the organization is ongoing. The path ahead is bright, with URCS poised to achieve lasting, inclusive impact as it works towards the goals of its 2025-2030 strategy. Together, with partners like Skybird, URCS is ensuring that no one is left behind.