From gender data gaps to gains: A sustainable approach to training and capacity building in Asia and the Pacific

Abstract

High-quality and timely gender data and statistics are essential for monitoring progress towards gender equality and developing evidence-based policies and programmes that respond to the needs of women and girls. However, there are critical gender data gaps, requiring concerted action and investment. This paper highlights success stories, lessons learned, and challenges in using training and capacity development as an important means to improve gender data availability and use in the Asia-Pacific region. Through the establishment and convening of a committee of experts representing data producers and users, the Gender Statistics Training Curriculum and complementary e-learning modules were conceptualized and regularly updated. These experts, trained to deliver the curriculum, have become a regional resource pool, ensuring sustainable results while keeping the curriculum relevant to methodological developments, and emerging needs and trends. Multi-partner support has been crucial to this initiative's success. Utilizing existing training materials and information regarding the trainees and their application of the training in their respective countries, including data from subsequent training evaluations, this paper sheds light on differentiated approaches to training, the importance of partnerships, and key components to enhance training success and impact.