Grassroots Training and Capacity Building as Essential Components of a Framework for Enhancing Equality in Mali's Educational Sector

This study examined the relevance of grassroots training and capacity building as essential components of a framework for enhancing equality in Mali’s educational sector. This study adopted the human rights-based approach to development. A qualitative research approach was applied in carrying out this research. The population was made up of institutions involved in gender and educational issues in Mali. There was the use of quota, purposive (expert-based), and snowballing (chain) sampling techniques. The study used quota and purposive sampling techniques, with data collected using in-depth interviews and documentary analysis. The data were analyzed thematically, with the findings presented in line with the research questions. The study noted that education is a basic human right and that access to it is vital to sustainable development, as well as training and capacity building, especially for males at grassroots levels. It was pointed out that a number of factors compromise the utility of grassroots training in gender-related issues, including traditional cultural practices. The exclusion of women from active leadership roles and the crisis of females domestically, especially at grassroots levels, were seen as other cultural barriers. This study also pointed out that girls and women face a double burden, that is, the need to balance household and school responsibilities. The study found that numerous initiatives have been set up both at the continental and international levels to support girls and women around the world in achieving gender equality and empowering women. The research recommended that the Malian government ought to enforce human rights and take measures to outlaw traditional and cultural practices, which violate the rights of girls and women. There is a need for effective policies aimed at supporting care and domestic work which can be summarized by the ‘quadruple R framework’, which aims to recognize, reduce, and redistribute care and domestic work, as well as to represent carers in policymaking. The framework for grassroots training and capacity building of women and girls calls for action from the national, community, family, and individual levels. At each level, it is essential to ensure multiple interactions with multiple stakeholders.