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On 21 and 22 July participants at a Commonwealth workshop spoke about how Online and Distance Learning can contribute to training public servants so that gender concerns can be factored into their work.

Distance learning seen as way to promote gender awareness

13 August 2008

Draft action plan is applauded by government officials present at Commonwealth meeting

Creating greater awareness of gender issues through Online and Distance Learning (ODL) was central to discussions among representatives from government departments, ministries responsible for the public sector, management development institutions and distance learning universities at the Commonwealth's headquarters last month.

On 21 and 22 July participants spoke about the status of gender awareness in their respective governments and organisations and how ODL can contribute to training public servants so that gender concerns can be factored into their work.

Under guidance from the Commonwealth Secretariat's Gender and Governance sections in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning, participants drafted an action plan to implement ODL in pilot countries chosen on, inter alia, the basis of their willingness to participate. It is hoped that this will eventually lead to the development of training manuals for all of these countries within the Commonwealth.

Those who took part in discussions expressed optimism at the conclusions reached. "It was very relevant for [us as] stakeholders to come and participate at this level," said Ida-Fye Hydara, Executive Director of The Gambia's Women's Bureau. "If we were not involved there would be so many things that would be left [off the agenda].

"Most of the time, manuals are developed first then they are brought to us and we don't use them. But this time I can say I was part of team that developed [an action plan]. Even if I don't do the actual drafting, at least I was able to add my little knowledge and ideas to the process. I think it was very important."

Deputy Secretary of Papua New Guinea's Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs, Russell Ikosi, was optimistic about what ODLs will achieve for his country.

He said: "I think that it is opening a lot of avenues for us, particularly in Papua New Guinea. It is an eye opener for me and I am thinking of how I will apply it to the programmes that have been developed back at home."

He added that the networking opportunities provided by the workshop will definitely be a great help when the time for implementation approaches.