On 2nd to 4th June 2010, Response Network Zambia conducted a training workshop on Gender and Good Governance to develop the knowledge and skills of its volunteers and staff to deliver on gender equality and empowerment targets within their core programmes.
The Workshop was conducted with the support of the Norwegian Church Aid and was co-facilitated by Ms. Edwidge Mutale of Nowergian Church Aid and Ms. Lombe Mwambwa of NOWSPAR. It was officially opened by the deputy Minister of Gender and Development Ms. Lucy Changwe who espoused the efforts of the Response Network in Zambia to implement development programmes using the more sustainable framework of self-help facilitation as opposed to developing donor dependency among the rural communities. She was pleased that the Response Network is working among the rural communities as they are underserved.
With 40 participants including project staff and volunteers drawn from Response Network implementation areas including Kazungula, Kalomo and Livingstone Districts in Southern Province as well as officials from the District Adminsitration Office in Kalomo and the District Health Office.
The Response Network works in rural areas to support community mobilisation towards self facilitated development. Within the goals of development, addressing gender inequality is vital as inequalities result in limited access to social and economic resources by women, poor men, and youth.
One of the critical discussions that confirmed this was a discussion on land ownership practices among the peoples of Southern Province that disadvantage women based on their marital status. One of the female participants said “I did not know that I have a right to land, I will go to the head man and request for land.”
The workshop also covered gender based violence as a human rights violation resulting in health, legal and social consequences among others. The workshop participants came to the conclusion that male supremacy is the root of gender based violence, particularly violence against women: therefore the necessity to facilitate a process of societal change towards gender equality in all areas of life.
Through focus group discussions, plenary sessions, presentations and role plays, the participants explored gender concepts, practiced the use of gender analytical tools and explored real life situations with a gender perspective.
Response Network has worked in Zambia since 1994 focusing on livelihoods, HIV/AIDS, sport, and governance.
For further information please contact:Mr. Hakon Spigseth- Country Director haakon@responsenetwork.org
or visit www.responsenetwork.com