Gender, health experts undergo research training

Rusike said some NGOs were using stale information because of a lack of research.
“Most NGOs are weak on research, which is a major challenge. They tend to use out-of-date evidence that in turn affects their programming,” Mr Rusike said.
“Our objective is to strengthen research capacities of NGOs working on gender and health.”
Mr Rusike said if NGOs had concrete findings, their research would easily be used to draft response efforts.
The trained senior managers are expected to embark on practicals this week in different districts countrywide.
About 40 participants took part in the training organised by CWGH in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Gender Challenge Initiative, United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) and Triangle Institute International.
The participants hailed the programme saying it would equip them with data collection skills.
One of the participants, Ms Swikepi Chieza, a research, monitoring and evaluation assistant manager for Family Aids Caring Trust (FACT) Binga, said research would help them plan their response efforts accordingly. “Through such research, we are going into communities and meet the focal people that need assistance, collecting data from the grassroots level, plan for intervention and also have evidence-based programmes,” she said.
Some of the NGOs that participated in the training include Women in Politics, SAfAids, Padare, Women’s Action Group, Katwe Sistahood and Development Aid from People to People.