The final gender transformative approach is not only to change relations, but also to initiate changes in structural boundaries, policies, and rights by strengthening local, national, and regional platforms where women can connect and share their knowledge and experiences.
On a local level for example Ugandan women organised themselves in groups to even out some economic disadvantages they face due to lack of capital and utensils to process fish. They are led by the “Katosi Women Development Trust” (KWDT) and received modern equipment such as smoking kilns by RFBCP, thus helping to balance children, household, and fish processing. With the help of business development training the women in the group can organise themselves, share their skills with each other, and can invest their savings in new equipment without having to rely on external support in the long term.
On the national level, the programme also supported the establishment of the “Uganda National Women’s Fish Organization” (UNWFO), a platform for women processors and traders in Uganda. The network focuses on creating sustainable opportunities, fostering innovation, and advocating for inclusive value chains. The support included the development of a constitution, a strategy, action plans, and a gender plan.
Additionally, the programme strengthened the regional umbrella network, the “African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network” (AWFISHNET), by supporting the development of action plans, budgets, and a resource mobilisation strategy for their East African Chapter. It also assisted the organisation of the AWAFISHNET Symposium 2019 in Kampala, Uganda, where women from across the African continent were able to network, share knowledge and experiences on value addition, and influence decision-making processes through exhibitions and presentations.
These national and regional platforms allow women to share best practices, experiences, and technologies in a collaborative way that drives innovations. They promote dialogue and negotiation, increasing the participation of women in policy dialogues at both the national and regional levels.