A Sampling of Workshops and Skills Building Sessions at World YWCA Council 2011

Here is a quick glimpse of a few of the myriad opportunities offered:

Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

UNFPA presented an eye-opening session entitled “Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings” that addressed the specific issues a country could be confronted with when faced with war, natural disasters, refugee camps, etc.  The increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and violations of human rights were discussed and their impact and causes explained through the symbolic visual image of a tree. Using the branches as various types of GBV (domestic violence, rape, exploitation, etc.); the after-effects, stigma, and blame that occurs; and the roots as the causes of GBV (gender discrimination, abuse of power, lack of respect for human rights, etc.), the participants gained a clearer understanding of the issue and acquired a tool for discussing GBV within the humanitarian setting in which they are working. The importance of having an in-depth comprehension of the issue was further emphasised. While one may not be able to directly affect the roots in a humanitarian setting, one does not want to exasperate the effects. It is critical to understand the causes. It is also essential that a multi-sectorial, survivor-centred approach be used in addressing GBV, combining healthcare, security, law, and psychosocial support. Participants applied their newly learnt skills during the session through analysis of case studies and following the guiding principles on GBV programming, including safety, confidentiality, respect and non-discrimination.

“Women, War and Peace”

A powerful documentary film by Abigail Disney entitled “Women, War and Peace” was screened during a lunch break at World Council 2011. It spotlights the stories of women in conflict zones from Bosnia to Afghanistan, and Colombia to Liberia, placing women at the centre of an urgent dialogue about conflict and security, women, war and peace. The film explores women’s strategic role in the post-cold war era where globalisation, arms trafficking and illicit trade intersect to create a new kind of war. It reveals that the vast majority of today’s conflicts are not fought by Nation States and their armies, but rather by informal entities: gangs, insurgent groups and warlords using unconventional weapons. Women have become primary targets in these conflicts, and are suffering record casualties. They are also emerging as critical partners in brokering peace. The core message from those women interviewed in the film is “we are tired of killing, we need peace forever”.

The audience was touched by the documentary and some even requested to watch it again. Marianne Schoerling-Ajayi , from Austria reflected that “ the documentary illustrates how life is challenging for women in conflict areas and it confronts me with the question of what can I do as an individual.”

Using media for Advocacy

Ketayoun Darvich-Kodjouri and Allison McMahan from Spitfire Strategies facilitated this session to an attentive group of people, mostly working in the field of communications.  Participants were advised on how to break through the media clutter and garner coverage in print, radio, television and online channels. The workshop covered the fundamentals of media outreach, including how to identify and target the right media vehicles for your needs. Attendees walked away with the basis of a media outreach plan that could immediately be put to practice in their work. Furthermore, attendees were given a toolkit which included media planning tip sheets and tools on how to advocate issues and how to successfully deal with the media.

The facilitators highlighted the challenges of getting coverage on women’s issues. According to research only 24% of those subjects in the news are women, whereas 76% are on men.

Campaigning Against Gender Based Violence

The YWCAs of Trinidad and Tobago and Tanzania  shared their experiences and the approaches they use to address the topic of gender based violence. The YWCA of Tanzania stressed the importance of working with local leaders, especially church leaders, informing them about developments and practices, e.g. passed resolutions that should be implemented, as well as pressuring them and the media to voice an opinion on and actively respond to local incidents and issues. The YWCA of Trinidad and Tobago then shared about their successful campaign, the “In Her Shoes Exhibition,” that tells stories about different kinds of gender based violence against women in a touching and interactive way, and the community work related to it. The exhibition can also be accessed online on www.ttywca.org.

At the end of the session details were further discussed as were possibilities to further the efforts and results of campaigning and the cooperation with various stakeholders. Participants left the session with new ideas and renewed commitment.