PIC Launches Certificate Course In Gender, Dev’t

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) has announced the launch of the 5th Cohort of its Certificate Course in Gender and Development, under the Gender System Strengthening Pillar.

The specialised training aims to equip professionals across various sectors with the knowledge and skills to integrate gender principles into development programme.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, PIC Strategic Communications Advisor, Olise Onwuka, highlighted the significance of the training in fostering gender inclusion across multiple sectors.

“The Certificate Course in Gender and Development is designed for Gender Advisors, Program Managers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), donor agencies, and NGOs, as well as professionals working in health, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion,” the statement read.

The training will focus on key gender concepts and analysis frameworks, including gender mainstreaming in policy and programs, monitoring and evaluation of gender-responsive initiatives, women’s empowerment and intersectionality, and sector-specific gender applications in public policy, health, education, and research.

“Organisations increasingly recognise the importance of gender diversity, inclusion, and the implementation of gender-sensitive policies, particularly as they seek funding and grants. This course provides participants with the expertise to design and implement gender-responsive projects, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development outcomes,” the statement added.

According to PIC, the training will be conducted on-site through interactive classroom sessions, incorporating lectures, participatory discussions, case studies, role-plays, and experiential learning activities. Participants will also undertake a group project to apply their learning in practical scenarios.

Reiterating the importance of gender as a fundamental theme in global development, the statement noted that “gender equality and empowerment, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, are critical to achieving all 17 SDGs.”

The Policy Innovation Centre is Africa’s first national institutionalised behavioural initiative, supporting governments and stakeholders in making behaviourally informed decisions and generating evidence for impactful interventions in critical thematic areas. It is an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), a leading think-tank redefining evidence-based policy advocacy in Africa.