ACFODE Life Skills Training In Kisoro District Enlightens Women and Girls on Gender and Gender Roles

From the 11^th to the 14^th of December 2012, ACFODE carried out Life Skills training sessions in Kisoro district, at sub county level. The trainings were based on the premise that women and girls are usually the victims of different forms of violence ranging from direct physical aggression through beatings, rape, defilement, forced and early marriages, to emotional violence, which usually manifests through paternal refusal to pay school fees, denial of paternity to a child, and eviction from home, among others.

The trainings targeted varied categories of young women in the community, including head girls of schools, female youth leaders and child mothers with the aim of empowering them to be able to cope adequately within their different spheres in society by raising awareness on gender and gender roles, as well as equipping them with relevant economic skills.

A cross section of participants in Busanza Sub County making 

re-usable sanitary pads during a training session

The participants, who came from 37 different villages in Busanza and Nyakabande sub-counties, were taken through sessions to furnish them with deeper understanding of the concept of gender and gender roles. These sessions brought to light the fact that girls in the district generally carry a heavier work load and do not enjoy the same privileges and rights as their male counter parts.

As a result of the sessions, the participants were able to highlight unfair, stereotypical gender roles in their communities that are 'man-made' and can therefore be revised in favor of women and girls.

The diverse interactions also highlighted the pertinent need for awareness about HIV/AIDS and skills development among the women in the community. Participants were also equipped with skills in making reusable sanitary pads.

The women and girls in both villages were also encouraged by their leadership, to adopt safer mechanisms for their domestic practices and to be more confident in their interactions in society in order to achieve their desired goals. Ms. Ntakirutimana Christine, the Sub County Chief of Nyakabande said in her speech, ‘One has to speak with her head held high so that people understand and believe in what she says. Females are lucky that they are easily trusted so we, the women, need to utilize that opportunity.’