SKYBIRD II, REGIONAL PEER LEARNING AND KICK-OFF EVENT, 19-22 March 2024
21 participants from the region and beyond shared their experiences and insights from the Skybird I programme micro projects implementation laying the groundwork for the Skybird II programme. Key learnings from the event were documented emphasizing among other things the importance of a collective understanding of PGI in WASH by all stakeholders involved for the programme to ensure that nobody is left behind, left unsafe, and left out by programme activities in the WASH sector.
Building on these key learnings the Skybird II programme with a duration from December 2023 to November 2028 and boasting a budget of EUR 4,000,000 contributed by the Austrian Development Cooperation aims at empowering communities and driving sustainable change through the application of gender transformative approaches in the WASH and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sectors through four key outcomes: 1. strengthening institutional capacities in Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI); 2. enhancing gender responsiveness in WASH & EMS interventions; 3. increasing the participation of women in decision-making and leadership roles; and 4. promoting socio-economic resilience and well-being of women and girls through innovative sub-grant projects.
This sharp focus on ensuring the participation and access of marginalized groups in the WASH and EMS sectors in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda, aiming to improve the lives of thousands of individuals, particularly women and girls, was at center-stage during the Skybird II Kick-off event, which succeeded the Peer Learning Event. It brought together 61 participants from 17 different organizations and over 12 nationalities, showcasing a diverse and engaging audience. High-level participants from the RCRC Movement as well as the Austrian Ambassador to Ethiopia called for continued partnership and support in achieving the programmes objectives and highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration to pave the way for long-term development in the WASH and EMS sectors of the region.
The presence of over eight media outlets helped in amplifying the events’ reach far beyond expectations. Watch the brief video (link beside) capturing the Peer Learning and Kick-off Event.
