Develop a bespoke engagement strategy for the chosen partners, drawing on the insights from the gap analysis, community consultations, specialism and influence review, to present the opportunity and potential impact that a collaboration could have. ​

The strategy should be inclusive, establishing processes that are sensitive to gender dynamics and encourage equal participation.​

It can help to tap into existing networks or create your own. For example:​

• Initiate networks for specific groups such as media practitioners and community stakeholders, creating forums for the exchange of best practices, overcoming challenges, and devising strategies for meaningful impact.​
• Set up a Youth Advisory Panel, inclusive of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW)​
• Engage with pre-existing networks. For example: the Wives of Traditional Leaders Association, the Ward Development Community, Ministry or Department Technical Working Groups.​

For effective partner engagement:​​

• Tailor your approach: Align your strategy with partners’ values. Highlight shared objectives and mutual benefits. For example, when working with faith and cultural leaders, showcase successful initiatives from other regions, involve leaders’ spouses, and offer skill development opportunities.​​
• Speak their language: Communicate in ways that resonate with partners. For media companies or corporations, frame collaborations as marketing partnerships, sponsorships, or public service campaigns.​​
• Utilise media coverage: Offer media visibility as an incentive for partners, including governmental bodies, to gain prominence.​​
• Leverage connections: Evaluate if another partner or stakeholder might be more effective at initiating engagement. Government initiated outreach, for example, is often well-received.​​
• Co-creation: Clearly articulate the goal of co-creating content or campaigns focused on gender norms, allowing partners to feel ownership in shaping outcomes.​​
• Incentivise collaboration: Address the barrier of partners viewing collaboration as circumstantial. Demonstrate how collaboration can increase their impact without adding to their workload, leveraging each partner’s expertise and strengths.​