Guidebook: Beyond checkboxes

Despite decades of progress, inequality and marginalization remain widespread, and many communities continue to be excluded from participation and representation. Those most affected by discrimination are precisely the ones whose perspectives are often overlooked in project planning and implementation. 

In response, DW Akademie’s Latin America and Caribbean department has developed a guidebook that combines conceptual frameworks with hands-on tools to support project managers, trainers, field teams and partners in including a diversity and inclusion perspective in their project work.  

The art of weaving inspired this guidebook: colors, knots and styles create a fabric that becomes stronger because of its diversity and not despite it. That's how we want to view our projects. Integrating this perspective makes them more resilient, inclusive and impactful.    

The guidebook is organized around a project's three key phases: planning, where teams build a shared understanding and set goals; implementation, where inclusive practices are put into action and monitored; and evaluation, where lessons are compiled and shared responsibly. 

Above all, this guidebook is both a resource and an invitation to unlearn, reflect and co-create. To take responsibility for shaping spaces that are inclusive and fair, even in times of pushbacks and crises.  

You can download the full publication below.