Partnerships are key to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ICLD works with several partners in promoting local democracy and sustainable development in line with the Agenda 2030. For example, in Zimbabwe, ICLD partners with Gender Links to strengthen local governments reach several goals, through ICLD’s Zimbabwe Leadership Training Programme.
ICLD interviewed Gender Links Zimbabwe, Country Manager Priscilla Maposa, and this is what she shared about the partnership with ICLD.
How do ICLD and Gender Links complement each other?
The partnership between ICLD and Gender Links started in 2014 through an arrangement facilitated by the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe. Since that time, the partnership has grown from strengths to strengths. Our work complements each other, as we work with local government officials and politicians in building their capacities to mainstream and implement SDGs at the local level. Both ICLD and Gender links endeavour to promote gender equality and to localize SDGs. We do this by developing action plans on SDG related themes and sharing of best practices.
What are some of the key achievements of the partnership in the leadership program?
Overall, our work in the programme has strengthened partnerships with government institutions in Zimbabwe and there has been a high level buy in of the programme by key stakeholders. At Institutional level, local councils are taking ownership of programmes as witnessed by the various change projects being implemented. The projects have led to an increase in lobbying and advocacy for participation and representation of women at local levels of government.
At the individual level we have witnessed a change of attitude and mindset towards gender issues, which has significantly contributed to the increased agency by local leaders to mainstream gender at all levels. The knowledge exchange and study visits to Sweden have really helped foster change at individual level.
Read more about the Zimbabwe leadership program
Read more about Gender Links
https://icld.se/en/article/partnerships-for-the-goals-sweden-and-zimbabwe/