This year, Al-Khair Foundation sponsored and attended the annual Scottish International Development Alliance (SIDA) Conference in Glasgow. As a membership body for those committed to creating a fairer world free from poverty, injustice and environmental threats, SIDA organised a well-attended event with over 200 representatives. In line with SDG 5, the focal theme of this year’s conference was “Putting Gender Front and Centre”, and throughout the event we considered how to create sustainable, enabling environments for women and girls around the world.

Opening with a welcome from the Chair, the conference then handed over to Ben Macpherson from the Scottish Parliament who reminded us that “Everyone benefits from gender equality. Therefore, everyone should be involved in the effort to end global gender inequality”. We also heard inspiring keynote speeches from international speakers, before breaking off into sessions discussing issues of intersectionality (the theory that various social identities such as race, gender and class often overlap and interact to compound experiences of discrimination), violence against women and girls, and equality in the workforce.

In sponsoring the event, Al-Khair Foundation had the opportunity to share practice with delegates from across Scotland’s vibrant international development community, all whilst successfully spreading awareness of our own charitable activities. We hope that this is only the beginning of a productive and lasting partnership.