Regional Training Program

The regional training has been on-going since its inception in 1995. To date more than 600 women and men from around the region and Fiji have undergone the training.

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre as Secretariat of the Pacific Women’s Network on Violence Against Women, conducts 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 communities on these issues.

This training ensures that participants are empowered 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 based violence in their home and 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 and sensitivity; address and create discussion on the cultural, social, economic and political factors relating to gender based violence and highlights the status of women in Pacific societies. Participants also discuss and analyse the incidence, severity and trends in gender based 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 and AIDS on the lives of women and in addition learn Basic Counselling skills 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 data collection processes, 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.

Upon receipt of the RTP application form this 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 RTP costing and an application form for the Regional Training Program.

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, user-friendly and participants are able to use these resources in their communities upon completion of the training.

Other resource people conducting sessions throughout the training are knowledgeable in their area of work. 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, behavioural changes and contribute to the elimination of violence against women and children in their communities after undergoing the FWCC regional training program.