Gender Based-Violence in Humanitarian Settings Training Course Ghent 2009

From 2 to 13 November 2009, 24 humanitarian professionals from 16 countries have gathered in Ghent, Belgium for the third annual International Training Course: “Coordination of Multi-Sectoral Response to Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings”.

This two-week course is a joint initiative of the International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH, Ghent University) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with funding from UNFPA, the Flemish Inter-University Council (VLIR) and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Cooperation.

The course is designed to improve knowledge, understanding and communication skills to effectively prevent and respond to GBV in humanitarian settings and to create and empower a network of senior-level professionals from a range of backgrounds and experiences (local and international NGO staff members, UN, government and academic representatives).

During the course participants learn all about IASC GBV guidelines, coordination skills, SOP’s, humanitarian systems & mandates, ethics & safety,  justice, advocacy, working with the media, ... . A detailed case study is used by participants throughout the course to apply elements of acquired knowledge.

Throughout the course these professionals became a close group of ‘friends’ who shared much more then just information, knowledge, coordination skills and experiences. They laughed, danced, had diner, went shopping, ... together and shared hopes and dreams for future activities and cooperation.