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inclusion: Accommodating spouses/partners
:
Networking
1 Some spouses/partners come to the Center from overseas; some come from a considerable distance within their home country; some are locals but nevertheless face considerable social challenges. Some may be able to make new friends very easily while others find it very difficult and are at risk of becoming isolated.
2 Assuming that effective processes have been established for both the pre-interview and settling-in phases of a couple’s association with the Center, the next phase is to facilitate networking. There are various potential contributors to this phase:
- the spouse/partner committee (assuming one has been established);
- the Center itself;
- resources in the external community.
Spouse/partner contact list
3 First and foremost, it is essential to
have a current list of spouses/partners and their contact details, so
that they can be invited to a diversity of social, professional and educational
occasions. Unfortunately, Centers in countries with security problems
may determine it unsafe to circulate such lists. They will need to develop
alternative ways of sharing contact details.
Opportunities
4 In some cases the social occasions are “public”, such as
Center events involving scientific visitors or distinguished guests or
programs for welcoming newcomers. There also may be events organized
by the spouse/partner committee, perhaps on a regular basis, to promote
interaction across the spouse-partner community. Whatever the reason,
these occasions provide excellent opportunities for networking and making
contacts in diverse areas of interest or assistance.
5 Depending on the nature of the occasion, the Center may be able to assist in some way by, for example, providing a meeting room or lecture hall. Such support will be of great assistance to the group holding the meeting while not requiring any financial outlay on the Center’s part.
© CGIAR Gender & Diversity
Program 2006