A Better World Volume 1

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Image: MASHAV

Raising transformative leaders at ACTIL, Kenya

seeking a suitable educational model adaptable to their own

realities and needs. They chose the Golda Meir MASHAV

Carmel International Training Center (MCTC). As one of the

first training centres in the world dedicated to the advance-

ment of women, MCTC has been addressing the connection

between gender, poverty reduction and sustainable develop-

ment for over 55 years, placing women’s education at the

core of women’s ability to contribute to all activities, and

working to advance and enhance knowledge, competence

and skills, both in the development process and in their

contribution to civil society.

Following ACTIL’s request, MCTC designed a tailor-made

study tour in Israel to present programmes and best practices,

including professional visits to Israeli women’s organizations

involved in the advancement of women at all levels. The next

step was to share MCTC’s experience for the planning and

execution of a pilot training programme for African women

leaders, which took place in Nairobi.

Cooperation between the parties continues to be strong.

Within this framework, joint workshops organized in Israel by

MASHAV and the UNWomen Regional Office for Eastern and

Southern Africa offer women and men training on leadership

and on the economic and political empowerment of women.

Most of the participants in the courses in Israel are gradu-

ates from ACTIL, thus creating a continuous and dynamic

learning framework. In addition, MASHAV conducts periodic

consultancy missions in Kenya to provide technical advice

and support in setting up efficient systems of operation, struc-

ture and design of training programmes, to maximize ACTIL’s

impact and ensure sustainability.

ACTIL’s inspirational vision is noticeably shared by all the

parties involved in this great venture. As a vibrant and inno-

vative training centre, it brings much-needed transformation

and change, creating a positive impact for aspiring leaders

and a multilevel ripple effect which starts with the holistic

transformation of the leaders, and then transcends to their

families, communities and countries.

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right

but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and

sustainable world. Providing women and girls the oppor-

tunity to build leadership skills and empowering them as

economic, political and social actors with equal access to

education, health care, decent work and representation in

political and economic decision-making processes, will

empower sustainable economies and benefit societies and

humanity at large.

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