Disability Inclusion and Social Protection: A SPARC Online Event
Join SPARC for the first in a new series of interactive online events exploring key cross-cutting issues shaping disability inclusion and social protection across the region. This session will focus on the intersection of these two areas, spotlighting global best practices, the importance of community-based support, and the role of social protection in advancing Australia's International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS).
Facilitated by experts from CBM Australia and the Centre for Inclusive Policy, this session is designed for DFAT staff and those supporting DFAT-funded programs. Attendees will gain practical insights and contribute to a rich discussion on building more inclusive systems.
This event will be recorded.
For accessibility or participation support, please contact: sparc@developmentpathways.co.uk.
Join Canopy Lab’s Free Global Conversation Series on Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Market Systems Development (MSD)
This virtual series brings together development professionals from around the world—whether just starting their careers or with years of experience—to explore the evolving landscape of GESI in MSD.
What to expect:
- Four engaging sessions: three interactive conversations plus a final webinar
- Each session begins with a concise framing discussion, followed by small group breakout sessions focused on practical learning and real-world experience sharing
- Two time slots per topic to accommodate global time zones: sunrise (Asia-Pacific & Europe) and sunset (Americas)
- Brief background materials and curated resources provided before each conversation
Throughout the series, running from May to November 2025, participants will reflect on the past, present, and future of advancing GESI within MSD.
Who should join:
- Anyone with some experience or interest in GESI and MSD—no expert knowledge or formal development role required
- Early-career professionals are especially encouraged to participate
Attending the full series (total of four hours) is encouraged to gain the most from the learning and networking opportunities.
Many humanitarian responses overlook a simple truth: different people have different needs. When aid efforts assume a one-size-fits-all approach, they risk excluding—and even endangering—those whose needs are not considered.
This insight is at the core of Gender in Emergencies (GiE) work. Failing to recognise and respond to gendered needs can result in systemic harm, particularly to those from already marginalised groups.
In this webinar, participants will receive a concise overview of gender in humanitarian response—what it means, why it matters, and how aid organisations can respond more effectively. The session will include time for questions and discussion, making it a valuable opportunity for learning and exchange
What it's about:
- 45 minute webinar
- Overview of gender in emergencies
- Understand what it's about
- Q&A
- Information about our upcoming Introduction to GiE course
- Informal chat after the webinar ends
- Recording avaliable
We are pleased to share with you Women Count Australia: A casebook for gender-responsive budgeting, co-authored by SURGE panel member Monica Costa alongside Rhonda Sharp.
Gender-responsive budgeting was pioneered by Australian governments in the mid-1980s. It has gained international momentum as an approach for ensuring that policies and budgets are aligned with gender equality commitments. Gender-responsive budgeting involves an analysis of the impact of the budget on gender equality and a process of changing budgetary decision-making and priorities.
This casebook aims to:
- promote the benefits of gender-responsive budgeting to governments, civil society and other policy-makers
- illustrate the potential of gender analysis of economic policies to show impacts on gender gaps and inequalities
- highlight examples of engaging with the budgetary processes in the pursuit of policy and funding changes
- examine the unique role of Australian gender or women’s budget statements in gender-responsive budgeting
- build the gender-responsive budgeting capacity of government, women’s organisations and other civil society groups.
GEDSI Specialist Position With CRCSU
Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) supports implementation of the Australian Government's climate change commitments under Australia's International Development Policy, in line with partner government priorities.
The Gender Equality, Disability and Social inclusion (GEDSI) Specialist within the Resilience Advisory Team will support the delivery of services of the Support Unit for DFAT and respond to their requests for technical assistance to strengthen integration of inclusive climate and disaster resilience. The Specialist will be responsible for providing consistent and high-quality advice and support on gender responsive and inclusive climate and disaster resilience.
A full Term of Reference is available here: https://lde.tbe.taleo.net/lde01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=URSAUS&cws=39&rid=3835
Applications Close April 30 2025
DFAT Gender Responsive Resources for Programming
To improve performance on gender equality and support the delivery of Australia's International Gender Equality Strategy, DFAT has developed a suite a of gender responsive resources to guide program implementation. These include good practice notes covering gender equality in monitoring and evaluation; investment design; and developing gender equality outcomes.
Click here to explore more gender equality resources.
IWDA attended the launch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Strategy and would like to congratulate the Government on producing a comprehensive strategy which clearly articulates its commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, in our region and beyond.
Read more from IWDA on the strategy here: DFAT’s gender strategy welcomed by IWDA: now for implementation which reflects intent | IWDA
DFAT's new International Gender Equality Strategy is released!
Australia’s International Gender Equality Strategy reaffirms the centrality of our commitment to gender equality and advancing the human rights of women and girls. It outlines how we will use all tools of our foreign policy to drive gender equality, including through our bilateral and regional programs and relationships, our multilateral diplomacy, trade, development and humanitarian assistance.
To read the strategy, click here: Australia’s International Gender Equality Strategy: contributing to a safer, more prosperous Indo-Pacific and world
DFAT's new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy released!
Australia’s new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS) continues the Australian Government's proud legacy of support for the rights of people with disability. It outlines how Australia will meet the demands of a changing world, integrating disability equity across our international engagement on foreign policy, international development, trade policy, humanitarian assistance and climate action.
To read the strategy, click here: https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australias-international-disability-equity-and-rights-strategy.pdf
Select dozens of courses delivered through self-paced, scheduled, customised or community training sessions. Many trainings are offered at no cost. Topics include:
-Women's' Economic Empowerment
-Women's Leadership and Decision Making
-Trade and Gender Equality
-Gender Equality and Migration
-Gender Equality in Education
and so many more!
Find out more here: https://portal.trainingcentre.unwomen.org/
Needing to improve your knowledge in gender equality during disasters? The Gender in Emergencies (GiE) Group provides training on gender equitable data collection and analysis, donor requirements and can tailor training to your needs. Click the link below to find out more!