Gender Dialogue Spark
Gender equal and inclusive organisations through transformative dialogue - an innovative workshop prototype
In a nutshell
The Gender Dialogue Spark prototype is a creative and innovative workshop for organisations and companies that allows participants to explore aspects of gender on a personal, societal and organizational level. It results in learnings around the status quo of gender equality within the organisation and ignites a spark for change to reach the full potential of the organisation's diversity. Through co-creation it suggests first ideas for the way forward and can serve as a basis for a broader organisational development process towards a more equal and inclusive working culture. On a larger scale, the aim of the The Gender Dialogue is to enhance the vision, potential and capacity of the organisation or company to contribute to achieving goal 5 (Gender Equality) of the Sustainable Development Goals in Switzerland by 2030.
What
A half-day workshop that proposes a unique methodology for approaching the topic of gender equality within an organisation, department or team. The methodology of the workshop is based on Theory U, a MIT systems and leadership change approach. Through creative small group exercises, facilitated dialogue, deep listening and co-creation it offers participants the opportunity to become aware of their unconscious biases, broaden their perspectives and generate new insights. Through the workshops participants develop their understanding of gender equality on a personal and organisational level and are - from the new awareness - invited to co-create solutions for the way forward.
Why
Switzerland remains the third worst OECD country in terms of Gender Equality in the workplace according to The Economist’s Glass Ceiling Index, which makes us collective lose out on a massive potential in the workforce. Employers are also losing out on talent as young people joining the workforce increasingly have aspirations and values that differ. Despite many efforts and often a genuine intention to have workplaces in which all employees can thrive and make their best contribution regardless of their gender, few actually achieve this objective.
Organisational cultures remain ingrained by unconscious biases, gender stereotypes and discrimination - and simply adding a new leadership program for women will not change this. Honest self and collective exploration through Theory U is a radical and deep approach that has the potential to change perceptions and awareness regarding oneself, the others and the culture as a whole. It is through such an approach that the current status quo becomes visible and new ideas and commitment to change can emerge.
How
Objectives
The goal is to ignite a spark for institutional culture change toward a gender equal and inclusive organisation.
More specifically, the objectives for the workshops are:
Deeper understanding and awareness of how gender influences behaviours and opportunities within their organisational culture
The opportunity to share perceptions and experiences in a safe and creative space
Ability to relate personally to the topic and build trust amongst colleagues
Chance to contribute to the ideation of concrete solutions
A 3 step process
Short situation analysis and identification of needs
Workshop (duration 4h)
Written summary of the results & recommendations for the way forward
About the Methodology
The workshop applies the Theory U (MIT, Otto Scharmer) change management and leadership methodology. This approach helps surface unproductive patterns of behavior that prevent optimal collaboration. It enables social innovation and system change in order to maximize individual and collective potential, build healthy relations and create inclusive and collaborative environments. It is an unconventional, transformative process, which requires each participant to consider themselves as part of the system they want to change. According to Theory U, it is only by seeing ourselves as integral parts of the system in which we operate, that we can be motivated and empowered to create real change in it.
Internal Host & External Facilitators
The workshop is hosted internally, typically by HR, with the backing of the leadership.
External facilitation by 2 members of the collaboratio helvetica gender team to guide the process, ensure a neutral standpoint and the creation of a safe space.
Participants
Min. 8, max. 30 participants. Within the system that is addressed (e.g. the whole organisation or company, a department or a team), it is crucial that key members are included, that the participants hold various roles, and represent different genders and backgrounds.
The workshop can be held in English, French or German.
Who
Anna Krebs: collaboratio helvetica catalyst on gender equality and lead of the prototype, certified coach and facilitator. Worked in organisational development, designing and facilitating workshops as well as leading an institutional gender equality & diversity project in a large swiss NGO.
Florence Tercier: 10+ years at International Red Cross and Oak Foundation, gender expert, responsible to bring rape in conflicts zones on the global agenda, professional coach and consultant on organisational development and philanthropy topics.
Nora Wilhelm: Co-Founder and Catalyst (CEO) of collaboratio helvetica. Project lead of the Gender Lab. 5+ year of experience in facilitating workshops and group processes such as Dialogues and Social Laboratories. UNESCO Young Leader, Founding Member of the Cohort 2030 and Annabelle Schweizermacherin.
SDG 5 related blog posts:
Anna Krebs - Explaining Gender Dialogue Spark
Supported by:
The Federal Office for Gender Equality supports the project financially in accordance with the Gender Equality Act.