The training of trainers (ToT), facilitated by UNOPS’ Gender Equality Specialist Phyu Kyi Khaing, was provided just before the campaign, enhancing the capabilities of participants to actively contribute to the theme of “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.” The 16 Days of Activism campaign, spanning from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to International Human Rights Day on 10 December, is a global initiative led by civil society and supported by the United Nations through the Secretary General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative.
Conducted in two batches in October and November, the ToT program targeted potential trainers within each organization who will play a crucial role in disseminating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) knowledge to their staff and volunteers engaged in Global Fund-funded projects.
UNOPS ARHC recognizes the critical role of gender equality in shaping communities and accessing essential services, empowering its Sub-recipients by fostering a deep understanding of gender concepts, enabling the integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into projects to benefit all community members and beneficiaries equitably.
The training covered essential topics such as gender equality and social inclusion concepts, key approaches for GESI mainstreaming, prevention and response strategies for gender-based violence, and the design and practice of gender training sessions. With a maximum of 20 participants in each batch, the program was geared to ensure active participation and engagement.
A total of 36 participants actively engaged in the learning sessions, gaining a deeper understanding of GESI and GBV topics. They are equipped with the knowledge and tools to design training programs for their respective organizations and the projects they’re implementing. In addition, ARHC has been assisting our partners with developing their GESI and GBV training plans for their organizations.
"As a Counseling Supervisor who is deeply involved in promoting awareness in addressing gender equality and gender-based violence, this training has provided me with valuable insights and tools to better support and educate the people in our community,” said Daw Ju Ju Cho, aka Norda, Counselling Supervisor of Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU).
Dr. Myat Ko Ko, Technical and Training Officer of the Myanmar Council of Churches, also shared his motivation for attending the training. He said, “My motivation for attending this training is to integrate fresh perspectives into my years of working in the field of gender-based violence. This training offers a chance to refresh my knowledge and provides a platform to synergize my practical experience with theories and practices.”
UNOPS ARHC’s initiative in providing GESI and GBV training just ahead of the 16 Days of Activism shows its proactive commitment to combating these challenges. By empowering participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address gender inequality and manage gender-based violence, UNOPS ARHC is actively contributing to the global movement to end violence against women and girls.
U Zaw Htun, Training Officer of Pyi Gyi Khin, said, “I believe education is the key. As a training officer, I have been actively engaging in awareness campaigns and training to educate others about the prevention of gender-based violence. It is our responsibility to create a safer environment for everyone and to build a society free from gender-based violence.”
Dr. Myat Ko Ko said, “In preventing gender-based violence, I believe in three main things: raising awareness to empower communities to take a stand against violence, taking action to create a safer and more equitable society, and speaking out that violence is unacceptable.”
UNOPS ARHC's trained trainers are well-prepared to play a crucial role in promoting a more inclusive and equitable society, echoing the campaign's call to action against gender-based violence.
