When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the ILO-WED Programme responded by adapting its gender-sensitive business management programme and certification requirements at the trainer level to be delivered online. In addition, the training content was further strengthened by incorporating additional elements of risk management. These actions have allowed a number of service providers and their trainers across the world to continue offering services to women entrepreneurs through online trainings and coaching sessions and reach in parallel ILO certification.

Originally developed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2004, the Gender and Entrepreneurship Together (GET Ahead) programme addresses the shortcomings of standard business skills training programmes in addressing the specific needs of women with basic levels of literacy. Innovative in its approach, the training recognises that in order to reach more women and to be effective, classic business skills training programmes should integrate peer learning exchanges, hands-on activities, and awareness raising on how gender-dynamics can influence business development and leadership. GET Ahead was revised in 2017 to reflect the learnings from over a decade of implementation (see our brochure for more information). Now, with the 2020 option, GET Ahead can be delivered remotely using online tools and templates when in-person delivery is deemed difficult, particularly at the trainer level. It has also opened the way to blended delivery models combining face-to-face sessions with sections done online to limit contact, while still offering opportunities for group engagement and learning, an aspect that remains very valuable especially at the entrepreneur level.

This transition to online service delivery has contributed to growth in training networks. In Latin America, the region went from having one Lead Trainer and four Trainers in 2020, to four Lead Trainers (trainers of trainers) and over certified 12 Trainers (and counting) in Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru and Mexico in 2021. The eGET Ahead has also been used in other countries around the world, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda and Sri Lanka.

Thanks to eGET Ahead, many service providers continue to build their capacity to offer relevant gender-sensitive business management training so that women entrepreneurs continue to benefit!

For more information on eGET Ahead, please contact us at wed@ilo.org