Fund for Innovation and Transformation - FIT

Results achieved as of March 2022 include: (1) 42 Canadian small and medium organisations (SMOs) funded to test promising solutions in 29 countries—18 of which completed testing during the year. The solutions related to agriculture education health and nutrition the environment water supply sanitation and hygiene social justice and human rights. All of the solutions tested focused on gender equality; (2) In close partnership with local partners Canadian SMOs tested their innovative solutions gathered evidence adapted and improved. Successfully tested solutions include self-collection of samples at home by women. It is an effective way of increasing screening for human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. It also improves sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Another successfully tested solution was inclusive music therapy. This type of therapy helps women and girl survivors of sexual violence recover from their traumas and reintegrate back into the community; (3) developed online references and learning materials to support the improved delivery and testing of innovative solutions by SMOs and their partners; (4) in a mid-term survey of Canadian SMOs and other development stakeholders 85% of respondents indicated that they used the knowledge gained through FIT in their international development programming; (5) 92% of total funded SMOs found the learning content helpful in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through gender responsive and transformative programming; and (6) exceeded annual target for public engagement through content interactions about innovative solutions to a global issue related to gender equality and sustainable development goals.