Author:

Winy Marango
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation, Corporate Service Unit, 
Ministry of Climate Change, Vanuatu 
Email: wmarango@vanuatu.gov.vu

As a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer with the Ministry of Climate in Vanuatu, I recently had the privilege of attending the Gender Mainstreaming and M&E Training held this August in Nadi, Fiji.

This training was organized by the UN Development Programme's (UNDP) Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-zero and Climate-resilient Development (Pacific Green Transformation) Project. It brought together participants from various sectors and UNDP offices across the Pacific, including representatives from Vanuatu, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and Timor Leste.

A Gathering of Minds

The training was a melting pot of ideas and experiences, with participants from diverse backgrounds and sectors. This diversity enriched our discussions and provided a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in gender mainstreaming and climate resilience across the Pacific region. It was inspiring to see so many dedicated professionals committed to advancing gender equality and sustainable development.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The primary objective of the training was to equip us with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values for effective gender mainstreaming. We delved into various topics, including:

• Strengthening Capabilities: We enhanced our understanding of gender mainstreaming and M&E processes. This included learning how to integrate gender perspectives into our projects and policies effectively.
• Exchanging Good Practices: The training provided a platform to share good practices and challenges related to gender equality in the Pacific and green energy sectors. These exchanges were invaluable, offering insights into successful strategies and common obstacles faced by our counterparts in other countries.
• Practical Tools and Action Plans: We were introduced to practical tools that can be applied to our initiatives. These tools are designed to help us develop and implement action plans that promote gender equality and climate resilience.

Key Takeaways

One of the most significant takeaways from the training was the importance of integrating gender perspectives in all aspects of climate and energy projects. Gender mainstreaming is not just a box to tick; it is a critical component of effective and sustainable development. By ensuring that both women and men have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from climate initiatives, we can achieve more equitable and resilient outcomes.

Another highlight was the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the Pacific. These connections will be invaluable as we continue to collaborate and support each other in our efforts to promote gender equality and climate resilience.

Moving Forward

Having returned to Vanuatu I am eager to apply what I have learned to our projects and policies. The training has equipped me with new tools and perspectives that will enhance our M&E processes and ensure that gender considerations are at the forefront of our climate initiatives.

I am grateful to the UNDP and the Pacific Green Transformation Project for organizing this training and for their ongoing support in promoting gender equality and sustainable development in the Pacific region. Together, we can make a significant impact and pave the way for a more equitable and resilient future.