About Waves
Weaving Leadership for Gender Equality (Waves) is a regional initiative developed and implemented by RECOFTC with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It strengthens the leadership of young gender advocates from seven Asian countries to promote gender equality and social inclusion in natural resource management and forestry in the context of the climate crisis.
Building on the 2024 Waves, this batch began in September 2025 with 20 participants from across the Asia-Pacific region. Over seven months, the programme has enhanced participants’ leadership capacity, deepened their understanding of gender dimensions in climate and forestry, and promoted collaborative learning and advocacy through a combination of virtual and in-person activities. With guidance and mentorship from RECOFTC and regional gender specialists, participants have designed, planned and implemented innovative change projects.
Waves capstone workshop and graduation
RECOFTC will host the Waves capstone workshop and graduation from 24 to 27 March 2026 at the RECOFTC main office in Bangkok, Thailand. The event marks the culmination of the programme and celebrates the achievements of the Waves gender leaders.
The workshop will bring together participants, mentors and RECOFTC facilitators to:
- reflect on lessons learned and leadership journeys throughout the programme
- share experiences and results from their change projects
- identify opportunities for continued collaboration and networking
It will also help strengthen a growing network of gender leaders who are contributing to more inclusive and equitable forest and climate actions across the region.
Objectives
The Waves capstone workshop and graduation will:
- deepen understanding of key gender-related differences and challenges at the intersection of climate change and natural resource management
- explore policy implications for early-career professionals working on climate change and biodiversity conservation in community forestry, and how to integrate these insights into policies and practices
- provide space for young leaders to exchange knowledge, skills, opinions and good practices, encouraging mutual learning and collective action
- recognize and celebrate the graduation of Waves gender leaders and their contribution to advancing gender equality and social inclusion in forestry and climate action