Toolkit of DEI capacity-building materials 

The purpose of this toolkit is to provide municipal staff and DEI change agents with practical, evidence-based resources to support the mainstreaming of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion within their organisations. It provides actionable learning materials and new or existing resources, helping municipalities strengthen internal capacities, address institutional barriers and embed DEI principles into everyday organisational practices. 

Reference: Polykarpou, Panagiota; Madesi, Vasia; Mergaert, Lut; Toolkit of DEI capacity-building materials (2025) Antwerp: Yellow Window, 2025

Building inclusive workplaces: The role of allyship 

This interactive session introduces participants to the concept of allyship and its role in fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. Allyship is a key driver of systemic change, helping to create environments where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued, heard, and supported. Participants will explore the responsibilities of allies, understand the impact of privilege and positional power, and understand possible strategies to take meaningful action. Through guided discussions, real-world examples, this session will provide participants with the tools to practice allyship effectively and contribute to lasting change within their institutions. 

Institutional transformation towards mainstreaming Diversity, Equality and Inclusion: The role of participatory and co-creation techniques

This interactive capacity-building session is designed to introduce participatory and co-creation techniques that empower core teams of change agents within municipalities seeking to drive inclusive and sustainable transformation within their institutions. Participants will explore the significance of fostering inclusive organisational change and learn practical methods to actively engage diverse stakeholders in institutional transformation. The session will provide hands-on experience with tools and techniques that promote collaboration and enhance stakeholder engagement, crucial for advancing Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion mainstreaming.  

Strategic framing for change: Designing pathways to impact

This capacity-building session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and down-to-earth skills to strategically frame DEI initiatives, ensuring that they are impactful, well-positioned, and effectively communicated. Participants will explore the concept of strategic framing as a tool for identifying windows of opportunity, engaging allies, crafting compelling arguments, and anticipating/preventing resistance. Additionally, the session will introduce impact pathways as a method for structuring DEI actions with a clear trajectory toward measurable outcomes. Through a mix of practical exercises, and peer discussions, participants will gain the ability to apply these techniques in their own institutional contexts.   

DEI Monitoring & Evaluation for sustainable change

Monitoring and evaluating DEI actions is an integral part of the change process, as it provides a framework to assess the outcome and impact of delivered actions. This session introduces participants to the fundamentals of monitoring & evaluation (M&E) in DEI work. The session will provide an introduction to DEI monitoring and evaluation, aimed at supporting the design of local Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks. Participants will explore different types of indicators, data collection methods, and strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of DEI interventions. Through hands-on exercises and guided discussions, participants will learn how to design and implement M&E frameworks reflecting locally adopted DEI objectives. 

Persona Stories: Supporting Participatory Learning and Co-creation in Municipalities

This document is part of the DiGiN Toolkit of DEI capacity-building materials and it introduces a set of personas, fictional but realistic profiles that represent individuals working within municipal organisations who encounter different challenges, expectations, and opportunities related to diversity, equality and inclusion. These personas act as a practical tool to enrich DEI capacity-building processes. They help participants engage with diverse viewpoints, build empathy, and reflect on how institutional practices shape the experiences of employees from different backgrounds.

Reference: Polykarpou, Panagiota; Alain Denis. Persona Stories: Supporting Participatory Learning and Co-creation in Municipalities (DiGiN Toolkit of DEI capacitybuilding materials). Antwerp: Yellow Window, 2025