Cuso International - Volunteer Cooperation 2020-2028

This project aims to improve the economic and social well-being of the poorest most marginalized and vulnerable people especially women and girls in developing countries with a view to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the support of 1 037 volunteer placements it increases the participation of Canadians in international development and global issues and enhances the performance of 120 developing country partners to deliver more inclusive innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that promote gender equality. Partners include feminist organizations promoting women's economic empowerment women's rights and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence; national volunteer organizations promoting the social inclusion of marginalized groups in development efforts and the empowerment of women and girls ; youth associations that promote human rights political participation of young women and marginalized groups as well as the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young women and girls; key professional associations that promote economic empowerment rights and leadership of young women; and key climate change organizations that promote women's participation climate change mitigation and adaptation measures and sustainable management of natural resources. Project activities include : (1) recruiting and training volunteers with a focus on gender equality; (2) providing technical assistance to partners in developing countries to strengthen knowledge policies and processes to integrate a human rights-based and transformative approach to gender equality; (3) providing technical assistance to partners in developing countries to strengthen local national and international coordination mechanisms platforms networks and alliances to advance gender equality agendas; (4) implementing a public engagement and knowledge-sharing strategy to engage Canadians and organizations on international development and gend

The expected outcome for this project include: (1) increased performance of partners in developing countries in implementing development initiatives that are more inclusive innovative and environmentally sustainable and that advance gender equality; and (2) increased participation of Canadians in international development and key global issues.