Gender Policy Validation Workshop for Don Bosco TVET Centres in Uganda and Rwanda

A workshop was held from December 12th to 13th, 2024, at Don Bosco Gatenga Hospitality Center in Rwanda, to validate a new Gender Policy of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) TVET Centres. This Policy characterizes a transformative framework for institutionalizing gender equity, equality, and inclusivity across all facets of operations and educational practices. The Policy further addresses significant gender disparities in student enrolment, staff representation, leadership participation, and safeguarding systems. It responds to the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers and create an enabling environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including Centre Principals, Administrators, Deputy Principals, Gender Officers, JSOs, PSHEA Focal Persons, Directors of Studies, and the PDO team. These key stakeholders representing 5 TVETs from Uganda (Kamuli, Bombo and Palabek) and Rwanda (Gatenga and Muhazi) took part in validating the gender policy to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

In his opening remarks, Fr. Frederick, the Vice Provincial of the AGL Province welcomed all participants to the workshop and called upon all stakeholders to take action to create conducive learning environment for girls and boys to achieve their full potential.

Stakeholders present thoroughly reviewed and assessed the policy’s content to ensure it aligns with Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB)’s goals, the Country’s (Uganda and Rwanda) legal frameworks, and best practices.

The workshop delved into various aspects of the Gender Policy among which include; Gender Disparities in Enrolment and Staffing, vulnerabilities to Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (SHEA), Infrastructure Gaps, and a Gender Implementation Plan for all the Five Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) TVET Centres, (Kamuli, Bombo and Palabek for Uganda and Gatenga and Muhazi for Rwanda).

The workshop provided a platform for lively discussions and critical feedback. Participants, shared their experiences and insights. One participant noted, “The policy is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.” Another participant emphasized the importance of regular training and capacity building of all stakeholders to effectively implement the policy.

The Gender Matters for Green TVET program, with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation and Jugend Eine Welt, a four-year initiative (2023-2026) implemented in five Don Bosco TVET Centres across Uganda and Rwanda is supporting the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) of the AGL to develop the Provincial Gender Policy which will subsequently be adapted to the specific contexts of the five participating DB TVET centres in Uganda (Kamuli, Bombo and Palabek) and Rwanda (Gatenga and Muhazi) hence providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where all learners and stakeholders can reach their full potential and contribute to sustainable development.