WOCAN implemented a pilot initiative for Gender Integration in the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Implementation and Investment Plans between November 2020 and May 2021 with the World Bank, to build capacities of 24 key stakeholders in two selected Forest Carbon Fund countries – Madagascar and Côte d’Ivoire – to improve the integration of gender into the planning, implementation and monitoring of activities.
This was achieved through the training and mentoring of staff of government REDD+ agencies and partner organizations who received training and coaching support to integrate gender, specifically into Benefit Sharing Plans and BSP Operation Manuals. It also resulted in networks of gender and climate (REDD+) experts in these two African countries who are able to integrate gender into climate planning, implementation and monitoring with a focus on results. The course and its follow-up coaching were delivered and facilitated in French through an online interface and in person, by WOCAN Core Associates Barun Gurung, Danièle Ramiaramanana and Cecile Ndjebet.
The initiative resulted in strategies (roadmaps) that include activities to revise the existing BSP documents, to incorporate gender concerns and specify benefits to women. Both countries intend to engage local NGOs and women’s organizations and ensure that women are fully participating throughout the process. Participants in the training in both countries have indicated their interests to advocate and train others in their organizations on gender. Côte d’Ivoire has formed a Gender Monitoring Committee. The BSP Gender Monitoring Committee is composed of women and men, from government entities and civil society organizations, created after the March training session.