This activity involves actively engaging with various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and community members, to advocate for gender-responsive policies, programs, and initiatives that foster women’s economic empowerment and social progress. By participating in the development agenda, WATED seeks to ensure that women’s voices and perspectives are included in decision-making processes at all levels of society.

Components of the Activity:

1. Policy Advocacy: WATED conducts research and analysis on gender-related issues and economic empowerment to develop evidence-based policy recommendations. The organization then engages in advocacy efforts to influence policymakers and advocate for the implementation of policies that promote gender equality, women’s rights, and economic inclusion.
2. Collaboration with Government Agencies: WATED collaborates with government agencies to provide insights and expertise on women’s economic empowerment and leadership. Through dialogue and partnerships, the organization works to incorporate gender-responsive strategies into government programs and policies.
3. Awareness Campaigns: To garner public support and awareness for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, WATED runs awareness campaigns and initiatives that highlight the benefits of women’s active participation in the development agenda.
4. Capacity Building for Women Leaders: WATED organizes capacity-building programs and workshops for women leaders to enhance their advocacy and leadership skills. Empowering women to effectively advocate for their rights and participate in decision-making processes strengthens their impact on the development agenda
5. Participation in Forums and Summits: WATED actively participates in national and international forums, conferences, and summits that focus on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. These platforms offer opportunities to share best practices, network, and collaborate with like-minded organizations and stakeholders.
6. Data Collection and Research: To support evidence-based advocacy, WATED engages in data collection and research on women’s economic status, challenges, and opportunities. The organization uses this data to inform policy recommendations and demonstrate the importance of women’s participation in the development agenda.

Impact and Benefits:

The activity yields significant impacts on women and society as a whole:

• Gender-Responsive Policies: Through policy advocacy and collaboration with government agencies, WATED contributes to the development and implementation of gender-responsive policies that foster women’s economic empowerment and leadership.
• Increased Women’s Representation: By building the capacity of women leaders and encouraging their active participation in decision-making forums, WATED helps increase women’s representation in key positions of influence and leadership.
• Inclusive Development: The inclusion of women’s perspectives in the development agenda leads to more inclusive and equitable development outcomes that benefit the entire society.
• Positive Societal Change: As women’s economic empowerment and leadership improve, it sets in motion positive societal changes, challenging gender stereotypes and promoting a culture of gender equality.
• Sustainable Development: Women’s active participation in the development agenda enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of development initiatives, leading to long-term positive impacts on communities.

Overall, the “Participation in Development Agenda” activity aligns with WATED’s mission of advancing women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive development. By actively engaging in advocacy and policy dialogue, WATED helps create an enabling environment where women can thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and agents of change in their communities and beyond.