Theresia Ngoe: Advocating for Women’s Organizations as Partners, Not Just Implementers
In an interview with UN Women, Theresia Ngoe, Livelihood and Empowerment Officer at the Authentique Memorial Empowerment Foundation (AMEF), voiced her perspective on the role and perception of women’s organizations. She emphasized their desire to be viewed as partners, not merely implementers.
Advocacy for Collaborative Partnership
Theresia Ngoe, during her conversation with UN Women, stressed the importance of recognizing women’s organizations as equal partners. She pointed out that these institutions wish to play an active role in decision-making processes rather than simply following directives.
“We want to be seen as partners who can contribute valuable insights and ideas, not just being told what to do,” Ngoe stated.
Working with the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)
As a Livelihood and Empowerment Officer at AMEF, Ngoe has been working closely with the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) on gender-based programs. Her experience with CERF brings an insider’s perspective to the dynamics and potential of partnerships between global organizations and local women’s groups.
“Our collaboration with CERF has shown us that mutual respect and open communication can foster effective partnerships,” she commented.
The Role of Women’s Organizations
From providing emergency relief to promoting empowerment, women’s organizations play a crucial role on various fronts. Ngoe believes that these institutions can contribute significantly to policy decisions and strategies if given equal partnership status.
“Women’s organizations, given their contextual understanding and grassroots reach, can bring a unique perspective to the table. They should be seen as partners, not just execution arms,” Ngoe said.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Ngoe acknowledges the existing challenges in the way women’s organizations are perceived, she also sees this as an opportunity for change. She advocates for more inclusive practices that recognize and value the contributions of these organizations.
“The challenges we face also present opportunities for transformation. By redefining the role of women’s organizations as partners, we can make tangible progress,” she affirmed.
The Way Forward
Ngoe’s interview with UN Women underscores the need for a paradigm shift in the way women’s organizations are viewed. She hopes that her message will resonate with global entities and pave the way for more collaborative and equal partnerships.
“Change may be slow, but every step in the right direction counts. By standing together, we can ensure that women’s organizations are acknowledged as vital partners,” Ngoe concluded.
In her earnest conversation with UN Women, Theresia Ngoe has brought a significant issue to the forefront. Her advocacy for recognizing women’s organizations as partners rather than mere implementers resonates with the call for more inclusive and equitable practices. As the conversation around this subject continues, the hope is that Ngoe’s words will usher in a new era of collaborative partnerships for women’s organizations worldwide.