Canadian Crossroads International - Volunteer Cooperation 2020-2028

This project supports 770 volunteer placements and aims to improve the economic and social well-being of the poorest most marginalized and vulnerable people especially women and girls with a view to contributing to sustainable development goals in the target countries. In addition to increasing the participation of Canadians in international development particularly in the areas of gender equality economic growth and inclusive governance the project also aims to strengthen the capacity of more than 60 local civil society organizations and government partners 72% of which are women's rights organizations to deliver stronger programming in the areas of women's rights access to justice reduction of gender-based violence and economic empowerment and leadership. Project activities include : (1) developing organizational capacity building plans and initiatives on women's social inclusion human rights and environmental sustainability for partners; (2) organizing pan-Canadian awareness campaigns and knowledge sharing activities focusing on women's rights access to justice violence against women leadership and economic and environmental justice; (3) creating special thematic funds to promote gender equality economic empowerment human rights environmental sustainability and innovation; and (4) providing train to returned volunteers to continue to be champions of gender equality and advance women's rights after their placement.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased participation of Canadians in international development particularly with respect to gender equality inclusive growth and inclusive governance for women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa; and (2) improved performance of local civil society organizations and government partners in implementing more comprehensive innovative and environmentally sustainable initiatives that contribute to the achievement of gender equality for women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa.