Equbusiness book VERSION 28SEPT2023 - Flipbook - Page 59
9.5 KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
The key findings within this context shed light on the pivotal enablers that are fundamental for NGOs dedicated
to achieving sustainable progress in gender equality. For example, transparency, accountability, and
collaboration emerge as critical enablers for NGOs dedicated to advancing gender equality. Furthermore, they
underscore the need for NGOs to actively engage with a diverse array of stakeholders, implement inclusive
policies and practices, and seamlessly integrate gender equality strategies into their core missions. Additionally,
these findings highlight the potential benefits that emerge from the forging of strategic partnerships between
NGOs and businesses. Such partnerships serve as a dynamic means to leverage resources, expertise, and
influence, ultimately leading to a more substantial and lasting impact for gender equality.
Transparency and accountability stand out as the cornerstone of successful gender equality initiatives. NGOs
must operate with transparency, ensuring that their actions and decisions are open to scrutiny. This not only
builds trust with stakeholders but also helps in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of their gender
equality efforts. Collaboration emerges as a catalyst for change. The power of collaboration extends beyond the
NGO sector and necessitates active engagement with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil
society, beneficiaries, and the private sector. The collective strength generated through partnerships enhances
the influence and reach of gender equality advocacy. Achieving gender equality requires more than rhetoric; it
demands the integration of inclusive policies and practices within the organization, spanning workforce diversity,
workplace culture and decision-making processes. This includes not only addressing issues related to workforce
diversity and workplace culture but also encompassing the broader spectrum of NGO operations, such as
program design, resource allocation, and decision-making processes. For gender equality efforts to be effective
and sustainable, NGOs must engrain them into their core missions. It's not enough to merely have gender
equality as an ancillary objective; rather, it should be the guiding principle informing every aspect of the NGO's
work. Collaborative efforts between NGOs and businesses, with a shared commitment to gender equality, offer
immense potential. Businesses bring resources, expertise, and influence on the table as well as finances, which
are so necessary for NGOs functioning. These partnerships are seen as a valuable means to create a more
profound and enduring impact by addressing gender disparities on a broader scale.
The mentioned key findings accentuate the essential enablers that empower NGOs to lead sustainable progress
in gender equality. They underscore the critical importance of building trust through transparency and
accountability, fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders in business, embracing inclusivity in policies and
practices, integrating gender equality into the core mission, and leveraging the strengths of strategic partnerships
with businesses. By recognizing and harnessing these enablers, NGOs are better equipped to advance gender
equality and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
In conclusion, achieving gender equality through NGOs involves navigating a complex landscape of public scrutiny
and business pressure while balancing the need for resources and partnerships while maintaining their core
values and long-term goals. Sustainable progress requires a commitment to addressing systemic issues and
measuring impact accurately, even in the face of short-term pressures. Ultimately, NGOs can play a vital role in
advancing gender equality when they effectively manage these dynamics and remain true to their mission.
