The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch #6

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28 The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch November 2020 Photo: UNDP Indonesia participating in the Gender Seal Mission. Reflecting On the Journey to Achieving the Gold Gender Seal for UNDP Indonesia The stakes were high, but UNDP Indonesia had decided to go gold, virtually, before the ‘medal’ was handed out. On a recent October day, over 200 UNDP Indonesia staff logged into zoom with a shiny gold virtual backdrop on their computer screens, awaiting the announcement of UNDP’S Gold Gender Equality Seal. In a way, the sea of gold screens reflected the solid teamwork and commitment among UNDP Indonesia staff who had joined hands, to earn the gold certificate. “I’ve worked in several Country Offices with commendable teamwork, but I must say that the UNDP Indonesia Country Office is unique with its strong culture of team spirit and nurturing environment. It heartens me to experience how everybody feels like we are on the same ship together to achieve the Gold Seal,” said Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Indonesia Deputy Resident Representative. Following a brief presentation of the findings — many of which had exceeded expectations — the results were revealed. UNDP Indonesia made corporate history by being the first Country Office in the Asia-Pacific region to have earned the Gold certificate. The result is a testament of careful planning and collaboration which dates back to 2015.
The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch November 2020 29 STARTING FROM SCRATCH “We really had to start from scratch,” said Astiti Sukatrilaksana, Head of Human Resources, UNDP Indonesia, adding that they had to kick-start the process by holding a series of basic courses on gender awareness. Not only did the awareness courses inform staff who had limited understanding of gender, but it also ensured a strong foundation to kick-off the Gender Seal journey, she added. Ms Sukatrilaksana is a core member of the Gender Task Force, tasked with directing the CO’s gender-inclusive operations partly in support of the Gender Seal assessment. “The biggest challenge was addressing the unconscious gender bias, which is prevalent everywhere, but being part of a team that helps to integrate the gender aspect in every action helped build a strong common understanding about gender,” she noted Being consistent and committed was also a key factor in the learning process in various aspects including operations, programmes, communications, and partnerships. Guided by the Gender Task Force, staff understood the importance of developing more inclusive programmes, projects and events, by ensuring to consult with members of the task force during the various stages of their work. Their hard work and focus paid off. All projects, programmes and events take gender-inclusion seriously with women represented in panels and included as decision-makers in programme development. For Gender and Result Officer Yenny Widjaja, participating in the Gender Seal process provided an opportunity to learn and take concrete actions to support gender equality. “We used the Gender Seal framework as the tool and reference for the country Office on gender mainstreaming,” she added. ‘A SENSE OF PURPOSE’ TRANSFORMING VIEWS ON GENDER The rigorous process of gender mainstreaming in all 35 Country Office projects has helped transform the way the staff perceive gender issues, including gender equality and leadership in all aspects of UNDP Indonesia’s partnership with the Government and the people of Indonesia. “The transformation in our office is remarkable. We have always approached our programmes and support with inclusivity in mind, but throughout the Seal process I’ve noticed that we’ve become more attuned to put women at the forefront of our projects,” said Ms Kemkhadze, adding that conversation on gender equality was progressively featured more prominently during all project board meetings.
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The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch #6

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