The regional training has been on-going since its inception in 1995.  To date more than 300 participants from around the region and Fiji have undergone the training.

 As Secretariat of the Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women, the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre holds the training twice a year .  There are 13 Pacific member countries with twenty four organisations addressing the issue of violence against women and children in their diverse communities.

The training comprises a total of 4 weeks and is available to women and men working in the area of violence against women and children - from providing counselling support, carrying out lobbying and advocacy and awareness in the community on the issues.  This training ensures that participants leave with a strong, grounded belief and sensitivity on women's issues.  It will enable them to analyse, strategise and organise more effectively to address and reduce gender violence in their home communities.  Through the regional training, participants will have a better understanding of the issues relating to violence against women and how it affects the development of any society.

The first 3 weeks of  training is intended to raise awareness on gender awareness and sensitivity; addresses and creates discussion on the cultural, social, economic and political factors relating to gender violence and highlights the status of women in Pacific societies; participants also discuss and analyse the incidence, severity and trends in gender violence in Pacific societies; awareness of the legal issues relating to Violence Against Women; CEDAW and UN Declaration on Violence Against women; CRC and dealing with violence (awareness, attitude and behaviour); the linkages between conflicts/wars and women in those areas; VAW as a human rights and development issue; Reproductive health and VAW: the effects of HIV/AIDS on the lives of women and a must for all those working is the Basic Counselling skills training as well as media and the use of the media.

In week 4 the participants further enhance what was learnt in the previous 3 weeks in the areas of radio production; data collection processes and documentations, setting up of exhibitions, campaigns and running workshops, lobbying and advocacy.  A new aspect of the regional training is the men's advocacy training on violence against women and women's human rights.

An additional 1 week to the 4 weeks is referred to as the Attachment.  This is optional but specifically aimed at women.  During this week, participants work alongside FWCC's experienced staff and have exposure and hands-on experience with the full scope of crisis services, ranging from counselling and paralegal skills through to Centre management, administration, advocacy and education programs. 

Logistical/Administrative Arrangements:

• Funding to attend this training is the sole responsibility of the sending organisation. 
• Interest of attendance has to reach us in writing 1-2 months before the training begins
• By returning the filled RTP application form automatically confirms participation therefore FWCC will begin accommodation bookings and other preparations.(It is important to only send filled application form when funding has been secured.)
• Attached to this RTP Brief is a copy of the costing, application form and potential funders list

To date we have had participation from the police, churches, women's NGO's, teachers, welfare and other government department officers and interested individuals from the region and local.  Training manuals and materials handed out are simplified and user-friendly and participants are able to use in their communities upon completion of the training.

 Other resource people conducting sessions in the training are knowledgeable in their area of work and FWCC is always in search of resource people who have the ability to relate their issue in the context of the Pacific.  We encourage them to use non-technical terms and to allow room for discussions.

 We are confident that participants will be able to bring about attitudinal and behavioural changes and contribute to the elimination of violence against women and children in their communities after undergoing  the FWCC regional training program.

The next Regional Training Program will be held on June 29 - July 24, 2009