From Knowledge to Development Impact: Gender Equality under Pressure

Open event hosted by the GRÓ Centre for Capacity Development, Sustainability and Societal Change, the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland in collaboration with the Institute of International Affairs. 

Tuesday, March 3 12:00–13:15 in the Ceremonial Hall at the University of Iceland.

This open event is part of a series highlighting Iceland’s contribution to global capacity development through the GRÓ Training Programmes, a central pillar of Iceland’s international development cooperation that operate under the auspices of UNESCO. This session focuses on the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme (GRÓ GEST), which equips professionals from low- and middle-income countries with advanced theoretical, analytical, and practical tools to advance gender equality and social justice in their home contexts. 

Join us to hear from GRÓ GEST alumni as they share insights from their work and reflect on the programme’s role in strengthening global capacity for gender equality. 

Since its establishment, GRÓ GEST has graduated close to 300 fellows from over 40 different countries, while simultaneously supporting a growing global network of alumni. GRÓ GEST alumni work across government institutions, civil society organisations, academia, and international agencies. Their work contributes to policy reform, institutional development, research, and community-level change in diverse political and social contexts. 

Through keynote reflections, fellow snapshots, and a panel discussion, the event will explore how capacity development in gender equality translates into professional leadership, institutional influence, and long-term impact. In a rapidly changing global environment, what does it take to sustain credible gender expertise? How do professionals navigate political constraints while embedding lasting change in policy, research, and practice? 

Programme 

Chair: Irma Erlingsdóttir, Professor and Director of GRÓ GEST 

12:00 Welcoming words by Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Rector, University of Iceland 

12:05 Opening address by Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs (TBC) 

12:15 Keynote address by Yeshiwas Degu Belay, GRÓ GEST alumni and PhD scholarship recipient, University of Iceland/Erasmus University Rotterdam. 

12:25 Fellow snapshots: Experiences and impact of the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme 

12:35 Panel discussion with GRÓ GEST alumni Aarti Lila Ram, Deputy Manager, Engro Foundation, Pakistan, Thelma Kaliu, Co-Founder, GenHub, Malawi, Mohamed Altamash Khan, Senior Gender Trainer at Men Against Violence & Abuse, India, and Yeshiwas Degu Belay. Moderated by Thomas Brorsen Smidt, Senior Programme Manager, GRÓ GEST 

13:05 Closing remarks by Nína Björk Jónsdóttir, Director General, the GRÓ Centre 

13:10 Light refreshments 

The event is open to all but kindly register participation here