Networking: the real story
Smith, S.
Links a Newsletter on Gender for Oxfam Gb Staff and Partners 1998: 9
1998
PMID: 12321576 Document Number: 274347
A review of the AGRA East (Action for Gender Relations in East Asia) network examined the program's successes and challenges and how it has developed staff capabilities in gender analysis. AGRA East hosts an annual meeting to allow staff representatives from each country in the region to plan and deliver a gender-related thematic workshop. Before the workshop takes place, sessions are held to help new staff members acquire the tools and concepts needed for gender work with Oxfam. The resulting lessons and training methodology are published in a report each year. Through AGRA East, Oxfam has earned the reputation of having a high level of competence in gender issues. The network has also facilitated creation of a unique set of relationships in the region and has provided project managers and officers with an opportunity to work as equals while learning to produce the workshop. ACRA East is an example of a "best practice" in capacity building on gender that can be used in other regions to bridge the gap between regional structures and country experiences.