The learning workshop was Organized by the Policy Innovation Center (PIC) and Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG). Organizations in attendance are the Population Council, Ipsos, Innovation for Poverty Action, and others. It was an enlightening journey to understanding the intricate connections between poverty, gender inequalities, and sustainable development. As the Program Manager at GENDERISE, I had the privilege to learn from thought leaders across various sectors, each shedding light on key issues that left me both informed and empowered.
The workshop commenced with Noureini Sayouti Souleymane, Research Scientist at IPA, who expanded our understanding of multidimensional poverty. In Nigeria, poverty is often narrowly defined by income alone, but this session highlighted its many dimensions—ranging from access to healthcare to education and basic living conditions. For instance, a woman in northern Nigeria may run a successful small business but still face immense challenges due to inadequate healthcare, lack of education opportunities, and unreliable infrastructure. This deeper understanding emphasized the need for policies and interventions that go beyond financial metrics to address the unique barriers marginalized communities face.
Building on this, Akinwumi Akinola, Behavioral Insight Lead at PIC, stressed the interconnectedness of inequities across various sectors, including education, employment, and healthcare. Akinola's session resonated particularly with the rural reality in Nigeria, where limited access to quality education, especially for girls, ripples across generations. Addressing these inequities holistically, rather than in isolation, is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty that traps many in underserved communities.
Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, the Executive Director of the workshop, facilitated a powerful discussion on inequities in housing, health, and the environment. This session resonated deeply, especially in light of the housing crisis faced by urban slum dwellers in Nigeria. We explored how environmental degradation, poor living conditions, and inadequate healthcare work together to trap communities in cycles of poverty, with women and children bearing the brunt of these challenges. As Dr. Dirisu eloquently put it, tackling poverty requires us to address these intersecting factors to create a more robust foundation for marginalized communities.
A highlight of the workshop was a hands-on session led by Andrea Laverdra, Manager of the Right Fit Evidence Unit at IPA, where we developed Theories of Change (TOC) to strategically map out poverty reduction interventions. This exercise pushed me to think critically about how integrating gender-sensitive approaches with multisectoral solutions can drive long-term, meaningful change. The TOC models we designed were not just theoretical; they were practical, actionable strategies with measurable impact on real lives.
Pushpendra Mishra, Service Line Lead at IPSOS, introduced us to participatory methods that prioritize community involvement in poverty reduction efforts. Traditional top-down approaches often miss the mark, especially in rural communities. However, when local communities are involved in the process—when they are empowered to voice their needs and co-create solutions—the results are far more sustainable and impactful. Mishra’s session reinforced the importance of community ownership in designing solutions that are relevant and rooted in local realities.
A particularly engaging discussion was led by the PIC team on Nigeria’s social investment programs, such as N-Power and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. These initiatives have made commendable strides in alleviating poverty. However, as we explored during the session, gender disparities still pose significant barriers, especially for women in rural and underserved regions. For these programs to be fully effective, they must be gender-responsive, addressing the specific challenges that women face and ensuring they benefit equitably.
The Gender and Inclusion Learning Workshop 2024 provided invaluable insights into innovative approaches to understanding and addressing poverty and inequality. The discussions and interactive sessions empowered me to think critically about gender-sensitive, multisectoral solutions that can drive sustainable development. As we continue this vital work, it is clear that breaking the cycle of poverty requires comprehensive, inclusive strategies that leave no one behind.
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