Capacity building in understanding Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) issues is an important step, especially in formulating inclusive development policies and programs. Pundi Sumatra, through the Partnership program, has implemented a series of GEDSI capacity building activities in Sarolangun Regency and Bungo Regency. The goal is to involve key stakeholders in a more inclusive development process, especially in the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) empowerment program.
In Sarolangun Regency, the activity began by involving various parties. Such as the Social Service, Community and Village Empowerment Service (PMD), and Bappeda. There is also the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service (P3A), Communication and Informatics Service (KOMINFO), and various community elements including SAD representatives from each SAD group in 3 villages. Acting Head of Bappeda Sarolangun Regency, Mrs. Hj. Maria Susanti, SE, opened the activity by emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies in every institution.
In the activity, materials about GEDSI were delivered by practitioners and academics, such as Mr. Mohamad Adhim and Wenny Ira. They discussed the concept of GEDSI equality and its benefits in inclusive development. The participants were then involved in group discussions to identify potentials and constraints in their villages. With the aim of designing strategies that are in accordance with local needs. This is expected to be the basis for formulating a concrete action plan.
Meanwhile in Bungo Regency, similar activities were held a few weeks later. Village officials, community leaders, village midwives, sub-district representatives, and representatives of the Suku Anak Dalam Dwi Karya Bakti community also took part. The material presented by Mr. Yos Army and Riya Dharma, who discussed the concept of GEDSI and its implementation in village planning. Through village development planning simulations, participants were actively involved in designing development programs that took into account the GEDSI perspective.
One of the important points revealed is the practice of GEDSI mainstreaming that has been implemented in Dusun Dwi Karya Bakti. Here, the village government has actively involved representatives of minority and disabled communities in the village development planning deliberation process. As well as accepting proposals submitted by the Suku Anak Dalam community.
The activities in both districts ended with an in-depth reflection and evaluation session. This was to evaluate the participants' understanding and identify further steps that needed to be taken. This affirmed the commitment to realizing inclusive development by involving and encouraging the participation of all parties, including marginalized groups such as the Suku Anak Dalam. Thus, increasing the capacity of GEDSI in both districts is expected to provide a positive contribution in formulating more inclusive and sustainable development policies and programs.
