Workshops and training programs play a pivotal role in fostering gender equality by providing a platform for education, awareness, and skill development. These initiatives empower individuals to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and advocate for equal opportunities in various spheres of life. Investing in education and training is a key strategy in building a foundation for lasting gender equality and positive social change.
Recognizing this, Fairtrade NAPP has organized a comprehensive program “Workshop on Gender and Youth Capacity Development for Agri-Entrepreneurship” designed to equip young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful agri-entrepreneurs. The workshop provided a platform for the participants to explore current trends and best practices in agriculture including, sustainable farming techniques, market analysis, and financial management. In addition, the program also emphasized the development of leadership and team-building skills while advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the agricultural sector. A total of 50 participants, comprising an equal split of 25 males and 25 females from diverse producer organizations, actively took part in this workshop.
The 3-day training workshop was designed to be interactive and engaging, with a mix of presentations, group discussions, and hands-on activities. The participants were encouraged to actively participate and contribute to the discussions, which helped them to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, participants have gained a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges in agri-entrepreneurship and learned how to develop and implement effective business strategies. The workshop uniquely offered a significant opportunity, particularly for young females, to embark on the path of successful agri-entrepreneurship by providing tailored guidance, fostering leadership skills, and advocating for gender equality in the agricultural sector.
The workshop has been proven to be an exceptional opportunity for aspiring young agri-entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. The event served as a platform for participants to engage with experts and peers from diverse backgrounds while cultivating an atmosphere of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Overall, the workshop was a great success, with participants leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to create positive change in their communities. This workshop exemplifies Fairtrade’s unwavering commitment to empowering and equipping the next generation of leaders for a brighter, sustainable and equitable future for all.
Testimonials:
“We highly appreciate the program which gave us the motivation to lead to success. We hope that more programs like this will be there for us in the future. We are looking forward to participating in such programs from Fairtrade in the future” – Gampaha Organic Farmers Association, Gampaha Kabanika Govinge Sangamaya