The Gender Equity and Inclusivity (GEI) Workshop under Global Program II commenced today, the 3rd day of August 2026, at the Don Bosco House, Iju, Lagos, bringing together participants from Salesian technical institutions across Nigeria for a 2-week capacity-building programme.
The workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of participating institutions, SDB management, and TVET trainees to promote inclusive learning environments where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, participate, and succeed. By the end of the programme, each participating centre is expected to develop practical strategies for Gender Equity and Inclusivity (GEI) that will be consolidated into a single document to guide the implementation of inclusive policies and practices within their institution.
Participants are drawn from JOBITECH Ondo, JOBITECH Onitsha, JOBITECH Abuja, JOBITECH Ijebu Ode, St. Jude Technical College, Tse-Mker, Benue State, and VTC Koko, Kebbi State, reflecting the programme’s commitment to embedding gender equity and inclusivity across the Salesian TVET network in ANN province.
The opening day’s sessions were facilitated by Eniola Adefioye, a consultant with Tributary Development Associates, and the PTVET, introducing participants to the core concepts of gender equity and inclusivity and their relevance to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Discussions explored topics including the meaning of GEI, which is an activity under the Industrial Capacity in Global programme, the implementation of gender equality and inclusivity, and why gender equity matters within TVET institutions.
To encourage active participation and practical learning, the workshop incorporated knowledge assessments, group discussions, and other interactive activities. Participants also took part in an engaging icebreaker session facilitated by the Provincial TVET Coordinator, Mr Cletus Etukakpan, setting a collaborative tone for the days ahead.
A key takeaway from the first day was the shared understanding that gender equity and inclusivity are not simply about identifying barriers but about creating systems that remove them so that everyone has an equitable opportunity to participate and succeed.
The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by participants on the opening day reflected a collective desire to strengthen inclusive practices across their institutions and better serve young people through equitable access to quality TVET.
As the workshop continues over the coming days, participants will build on these discussions by developing practical strategies and institutional frameworks that will foster more inclusive learning environments across the participating centres. These will become a tool for training new students, be reviewed from time to time, and will also help both our trainers and graduates in the world of work. We look forward to sharing more highlights as the programme progresses.