Think Creative - Issue 2

Creative Life a mission-driven community 28 | Think Creative | Issue 2 A diverse group of Creative’s head- quarters and field staff have come together to form a new community of practice dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusion. Led by Jackie Ogega, Senior Asso- ciate for Gender in Development, the more than 30 Gender Focal Points will serve as resources and advocates within their teams to ensure gender is a priority across all of Creative’s programs and operations. “We’re so excited to have this tal- ented group come together with a shared mission to make sure women, men, girls and boys have equal opportunities,” says Ogega. She says that the establishment of the Focal Points is just one way that Creative is continuing a leg- acy of gender equity, which began 40 years ago when the organiza- tion was founded by four women from diverse backgrounds. The women and men that make up the Gender Focal Points span the globe and represent differ- ent areas of expertise, including gender, education and reading, monitoring and evaluation, hu- man resources, communications and youth engagement. More than a dozen are based inWashington, while the rest represent programs in Nigeria, Morocco, Afghanistan, Pakistan, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and elsewhere. The Gender Focal Points were officially announced during the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence , which runs fromNov. 25 to Dec. 10. The global movement aims to spark dialogue about gender- based violence and efforts to prevent it. Creative’s programs and beneficiaries fromEl Salvador to Pakistan organized to show their support for the campaign, hosting events and sharing photos and videos online. In the lead-up to International Women’s Day onMarch 8, the Gender Focal Points will once again drive the conversation about how Creative’s programs, staff and beneficiaries can mobilize to promote gender equality around the world. n 1. Encourage and facilitate discussions with friends, family and colleagues about the importance of gender equality. 2. Participate and contribute to events happening within your community, and encourage your neighbors to get engaged. 3. Share your photos, messages of support and calls to action online using the hashtags #PressforProgress a nd #IWD2018 . March 8 is International Women’s Day. Raise your voice and get engaged! Uniting Around Gender Equality March 8 marks International Women’s Day. Explore the ways Creative staff are speaking up and taking action around the world. Projects and their beneficiaries around the world spoke out against gender-based violence during the 16 Days, pledging to #OrangetheWorld a nd create a brighter future for women and girls. Photos submitted by project staff. Morocco 16 Days El Salvador Nicaragua Photo of Charito Kruvant by Skip Brown In 1977, Creative was established by four women who sought to be changemakers and promoters of peace. With a nod to Creative’s past and in recognition of the persistent need to develop women leaders both now and for the future, the company has launched the Creative Women’s Leadership Program . This program provides participants with a tailored curriculum to help refine and harness their leadership, managerial and business potential. Creative is committed to empowering and uplifting women, and supporting those who are called to inspire others. – Charito Kruvant Creative Founder and Board Chair Creative launches Women’s Leadership Program ” “ Kicking off Creative’s Gender Focal Points