Introduction
This training is ideal for women and men practitioners with experience in peacebuilding. In particular, the course is designed for women and men who are:
Interested in deepening their understanding of gender, human security, peacebuilding and violence prevention in post-conflict contexts;
Keen to explore the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325, adopted in October 2000) and its implications to programs that focus on gender, reduction of gender-based violence, women, peace and security;
Keen to explore the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women (CEDAW, adopted in 1979) and its implications to programs that focus on promoting gender equity, gender mainstreaming and women human rights; and
Scholars and practitioners interested in how Human Security and Peacebuilding strategies can be enhanced through gender-sensitive approaches from design through implementation and evaluation of programs.
The Course Content
a) Understanding violence against women: Violence is one way of dealing with conflicts (Galtung (1990, 1996) and is represented in three separate types distinguished as physical, structural or cultural. Among the issues to be looked at the training will be the escalation of violence against women in situations of violent conflicts and representing tragic development in which women are targeted in all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
b) Linking Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Human Security and Peacebuilding: Current international standards addressing GBV in conflict and post conflict areas draw upon a wide array of provisions contained in a variety of human rights instruments that safeguard women and girls. The course will help participants identify relevant provisions in selected CEDAW articles which they can advance towards the prevention of sexual violence against women in situations of conflict.
c) Gendering Conflict transformation around UNSCRs: In reference to grassroots based case studies benefiting indirectly and directly from the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), the participants will look at what these resolutions are, their various provisions, relation to women in conflict areas, and how to incorporate them in ongoing peacebuilding and reconstruction work with the participants contexts.
d) Human security paradigm and its relevance to women violence prevention: Human security paradigm perceives the ordinary citizen including women as a purpose and not as a means to security. The training will identify and emphasize the considerations for human security as integrated approach to conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
e) Gender Mainstreaming in peacebuilding: Women continue to be underrepresented in peacebuilding processes, be it in conflict prevention, management or post conflict reconstruction, yet research shows that where women engage in the above, violence often declines and it becomes easier to build more sustainable peace. The session will explore the various strategies that programmes/organizations can put in place to ensure effective participation and contribution of women in the processes.
Training methodology
Like other COPA training programs, this workshop is designed and delivered through adult learning methodologies. Participants will, therefore, engage in interactive and experiential learning that draws on the experiences and perspectives of both women and men in engaging with issues of gender, human security and peacebuilding.
The training will be conducted online using Zoom with each day comprising 5 hours ( 3 hours of guided learning and 2 hours of group and individual reflections). The trainers will prepare mini-lectures on core content as discussion starters then build on other adult leaning methods like storytelling, group tasks, role plays and simulation and panels. Where necessary, we will also invite resource persons with expertise on some themes to share their knowledge and experience.
The learning space will be organised to provide a supportive and challenging environment so that by the end of the course, all participants will be able to propose ways they can embed or enhance gender sensitive programming and initiatives relevant to their own contexts.
How to register:
Filled in application forms should be sent to COPA by email. All received applications will be acknowledged and if successful a corresponding letter of admission and other necessary documentations will be sent to the applicant. Please send your completed application to any of the following emails:
An application form can also be requested through the same emails;
1) copa@copafrica.org
2) trainings@copafrica.org
3) copafricatrainings@gmail.com
