Multi-Sector Engagement

In order to solve large global issues, businesses, government, and nonprofits must engage and collaborate to create impactful solutions (Lovegrove & Thomas, 2013, p. 1). This is known as the tri-sector engagement approach. Some may also refer to these types of partnerships as megacommunities which brings together all three sectors to accomplish a common goal (Gerencser & Kelly, 2009, p. 4). According to FCW, they believe that government should take on the leadership role since they are able to speak out about an issue and gain support quickly. Similarly, the authors mention that a “decentralized, interconnected structure” is key in a megacommunity since the sectors’ leaders must be able to cooperate and negotiate on various topics (Gerencser & Kelly, 2009, p. 13). Given these points, the African Union, corporations, and nonprofits need to work together to combat the issue of safety and violence against women in Africa.

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The public sector has called for a proposal on the theme of peace, security and violence against women in Africa. Since domestic violence is a large barrier that hinders women from receiving an education, the African Union proposed a project that will “raise public awareness in all segments of society regarding harmful practices against women through information, education and outreach programs” (African Union, 2018). Through completing this project, they hope to emphasize the human rights of women, change gender norms, and implement therapy services. Although the government expresses clear actions to help reduce violence against women in Africa, there is no data to show what has been done thus far. The private sector should also be factored into solving this problem. Anglo American states that, “empirical evidence shows that preventing violence against women and children is good for the economy” which confirms that businesses can also benefit from assisting women in unsafe situations. Furthermore, they believe that empowering women to get a job can create less dependence on their spouse which makes it easier to leave an abusive relationship (Kweyama, 2013, p. 9). Currently, African corporations are supporting nonprofits that offer safe havens for women who have fled from a dangerous household (Kweyama, 2013, p. 10). Lastly, The Girl Effect, African Children’s Haven, Room to Read, Campaign for Female Education, and several other nonprofits are on a mission to prevent violence against girls in Africa and promote the importance of education in each girl’s life. In conclusion, it is critical to utilize the tri-sector engagement approach to diminish violence against women in Africa which consequently will give more girls the opportunity to receive the education they deserve.

 

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Gerencser, M., & Kelly, C. (2009, April 16). Megacommunities: The next big idea. Retrieved

October 15, 2018, from FCW - The Business of Federal Technology website:

https://fcw.com/Articles/2009/04/20/Megacommunities-feature.aspx

Kweyama, K. (2013, November 13). Corporate south africa has a role to play in fighting abuse

against women and children. Retrieved October 15, 2018, from Anglo American website:

https://southafrica.angloamerican.com/media/press-releases/2013/13-11-2013.aspx

Lovegrove, N., & Thomas, M. (2013, February 13). Why the world needs tri-Sector leaders.

Retrieved October 15, 2018, from Harvard Business Review website:

https://hbr.org/2013/02/why-the-world-needs-tri-sector

Peace and security and violence against women. (2018, July 23). Retrieved October 15, 2018,

from African Union website: https://au.int/en/announcements/20180723/call-proposals-

theme-peace-and-security-and-violence-against-women-0

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Poverty

Faith Ausfresser

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A tri-sector engagement approach is when three organizations from different sectors work together interdependently towards a common goal. The three sectors collaborate and engage in the same project, each utilizing their specific skills and approaches. There are limitations as well as possibilities to tri-sector engagement. In Anna Rosén’s article, she compares this type of leadership to the athletes of a sports team bringing different skills to the table but working together towards one goal in order to explain tri-sector engagement (Rosén, 2013).

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A nonprofit organization that works to end poverty in many countries, including Africa, is the Circle of Sisterhood. Circle of sisterhood works to, “raise financial resources for entities around the world that are removing educational barriers for girls and women facing poverty and oppression.” (Circle of Sisterhood). Since 2010, Circle of Sisterhood has raised financial resources through collegiate, mostly panhellenic organizations. Due to their success, they have been able to grant over one million dollars to organizations and has funded sixteen school construction projects in five countries including Malawi and Senegal (Circle of Sisterhood). In Africa, policies have been put in place to reduce poverty through the public sector. However, this has led to some public sector organizations to be unmotivated and unable to carry out basic tasks.(Global Extreme Poverty, 2006). World Bank estimates that the extreme rate of poverty has decreased from 56% in 1990 to 43% in 2012. However, with population rapidly increasing, it is expected for that rate to rise once again unless action is taken (Global Extreme Poverty, 2006). The private sector holds an important role in the fight against poverty which can lead to more education for women. These businesses can supply the guidance and the resources necessary for this project. (Global Extreme Poverty, 2006) - maybe a closing sentence

 

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Global Extreme Poverty. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ourworldindata.org/extreme-poverty

R., & C. (2012, March 06). The private sector and the fight against poverty. Retrieved from https://journals.openedition.org/factsreports/1573

“Together, We Can Remove Barriers and Provide Opportunities.” Circle of Sisterhood, www.circleofsisterhood.org/

Rosén, A. (2013, October 13). The$Tri'sector$Athlete !Part&of&a&Sustainable&Leadership&. Retrieved October 17, 2018, from http://pause-stiftelse.com/sites/default/files/Tri-sector leadership.pdf

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Lack of Sanitation, Water, & Food

Emily Weis

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A tri-sector engagement involves private, public and non-profit spheres who come together around a compelling issue of mutual importance. Business, government and civil society interact according to common interests while maintaining unique priorities. This idea of a megacommunity promotes and supports mutual leadership and the three sectors work together to solve the issue while all remaining interdependent.

 

Many tri-sector projects address the issue of access to women's education and specifically, the effects of poor sanitation around the world. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is one nonprofit project that focuses on this issue and works to end the global sanitation crisis. This solution involves positive financial benefits for women that can contribute to increased effectiveness of communities in general in relation to schools and education. The WASH facilities in schools can improve lives by increasing attendance and reducing disease. Many organizations are empowering women through WASH by including them in “decision-making processes and in goal-setting” (Wash and Women and Girls). For example, in Uganda, WaterAid is a project that has taught women to build rainwater harvesting jars. The website WASH and Women and Girls states that “WaterAid constructed single-gender sanitation facilities at a school with washrooms to help girls manage menstruation. Attendance at the school by girls has increased since the construction of these facilities.” (in text?)

 

Women's Global Education Project (WGEP) is also a non profit organization that focuses on women’s empowerment regarding universal education and gender equality. The Women's Global Education Project article (2017) explains the importance of the surrounding community’s role in contributing to the issue. “WGEP engages girls in and out of school, mothers, fathers, school boys, teachers, community leaders, and local government officials; recognizing that increasing access to education is a process that starts in the community and ends in the school”. WGEP has had an exceptional impact on the countries of Kenya and Senegal. Not only has this project addressed issue of access to education but also has improved the health of women which increases their opportunities in many aspects of society.

 

Another project, Empowering Girls Through Education and Health (ASPIRE) aims to increase the level of educational attainment in the country of Malawi. ASPIRE is a government agency that helps girls complete primary and secondary schools. In addition, it raises awareness for reproductive rights and increases support for girls education and health (Promoting Gender Equality and Access to Education). All of these projects engage the three sectors and are able to come up with solutions to assist women's education and health.

 

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Promoting Gender Equality and Access to Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/gender-equality-and-womens- empowerment/addressing-gender-programming/promoting-gender

WASH and Women and Girls. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.washadvocates.org/learn/wash-and-women-and-girls/

Women's Global Education Project (WGEP). (2017, February 08). Retrieved from https://www.caringcrowd.org/womens-global-education-project-wgep

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Child Marriage

Meghan Henry

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A tri-sector engagement approach is critical in ending child marriage in order to alleviate the issue of inequality in education based on gender. Through utilizing this strategy, young girls in Africa wil have a better chance of receiving a quality education and eventually obtain higher-level education. Tri-sector engagement involves the convergence of public, private, and non-profit sectors on an issue of mutual importance so as to achieve their desired results while working interdependently. An example of the intersection of these three sectors for the issue of child marriages in Africa is Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage. This NGO was founded in 2011 by The Elders, a group of independent global leaders who work for peace and human rights. In fact, it is a partnership of over 1000 civil society organizations from over 95 countries (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund [UNICEF], 2012). Girls Not Brides advocates for tri-sector engagement by petitioning governments around the world to create and enforce child marriage laws while also enlisting the help of private entities to gain support.

 

Members of Girls Not Brides strive to bring early marriage to global attention, build an understanding of what it takes to end child marriage, and call for laws as well as policies that will help to eradicate the issue (Skoll Foundation, 2018). While the focus of the organization is ending child marriage in general, this goal would be a major step in eliminating the inequality in education that is present in much of Africa. Girls Not Brides has made its position clear that elimination of this issue can be achieved through the help of many different sectors (Girls Not Brides). From a public sector standpoint, the organization has successfully petitioned governments throughout Africa to come up with strategies to end this harmful practice, implement these solutions, and enforce them (Girls Not Brides). The public sector realizes the need to protect citizens around the continent, and has made steps towards providing this security. The private sector also takes an interest in the issue of inequality in Africa because of the potential lost opportunity for success of these uneducated girls. Therefore, numerous private sector companies are members of the Girls Not Brides initiative and contribute capital and other resources to the cause. Girls Not Brides recognizes that the tri-sector engagement approach is crucial in ending early marriage and inequality in education throughout Africa, and continues to work interdependently with public and private sectors to bring about change.

 

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United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. (2012). A Note on Child Marriage. Retrieved

October 15, 2018, from https://www.unicef.org/policyanalysis/files/Note_on_Child_Marriage.pdf

Skoll Foundation. (2018). Girls Not Brides. Retrieved October 14, 2018, from http://skoll.org/organization/girls-not-brides/

Girls Not Brides. (n.d.). The Role of Different Sectors: An Overview. Retrieved October 15, 2018, from https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1.-Overview-Addressing-child-marriage-role-of-diff-sectors.pdf

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