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Chapter 2: training modules.(Training Manual: Gender Mainstreaming in the Macroeconomics, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) and Budgeting Processes in the Context of the new Aid Modalities)

Article Excerpt
MODULE 1: OPENING SESSION

Objectives

By the end of the session, the facilitator will have:

* Officially welcomed all participants, and introduced any guests, and trainers

* Allowed participants to introduce themselves

* Described the purpose of the workshop

* Set the agenda through an opening or keynote address

* Together with the participants, created a set of "ground rules" by which the group agree to work throughout the training

* Explored the participants expectations and challenges

Time

30 minutes

Materials

* Copies of the workshop programme. An example is provided as Appendix A and changes should be made to adopt it to the current training.

* A flipchart showing the daily programme (optional)

* Manilla paper for participants name tags

Advance Preparation

* Any guest speakers should be thoroughly briefed in advance, to explain the purpose of the training and to be clear about the length and subject desired for their opening remarks

* Prepare and photocopy the training agenda for all guests and participants. It is also helpful to have the daily agenda written up on a flipchart and posted on the wall throughout the day. It might be preferable to leave out precise times for the activities, so the trainers can have flexibility as needed.

Key ideas to convey

* The overall purpose of this training is to prepare participants to effectively advocate for mainstreaming gender into macroeconomic frameworks and PRSPs.

* Everyone in this training comes with experience that is valuable to the process. The workshop is therefore an interactive process during which everyone, including the trainers, will earn from each other.

Training steps

1. A representative of the "host" organization formally opens the training by welcoming the participants, explaining the purpose of the training, and introducing the trainers.

2. After this, the representative should go around the room and have each participant briefly state his or her name, and one thing (emphasize and stick to the request for one thing only) he or she hopes to gain from participating in this training. Record these ideas on a flipchart and post it and coloured shapes and cards to materials needed. (You may refer back to the list during the last day's closing session). In addition, the participants should write their names on a main sheet of paper (manilla) and place in-front of them. This will facilitate interaction between participants.

3. One trainer will provide an overview of the training by outlining the goals and overall objectives for the workshop. The trainers can then distribute the agenda for Day 1 and go through it with the participants. Respond to any questions about the day or about the two-day programme.

4. The representative should again go around the room and have each participant briefly list one challenge envisaged. Record the ideas and briefly discuss with participants how these challenges may be addressed.

5. A trainer can explain why ground rules or freedoms that facilitate learning are agreed upon:

* To create a safe learning environment for everyone involved;

* To have written expectations of how the group will work together during the training

* To help meet the training objectives

6. Ask the group to brainstorm ground rules/freedoms and write these on a flipchart. Suggested ground rules/freedoms may include:

* Respect for one another, especially for differences of opinion

* Speak one at a time, so that we can hear what everyone else is saying

* Avoid side conversations, because they distract people around you from hearing what someone else is saying

* Start and end on time; freedom to consider time as a resource

* Use "I" statements when expressing your opinion. For example, "I believe ..." instead of "we all believe ...'

* Active and full participation by all.

* Ensure confidentiality. This will have been discussed during the introductory session, but it is a good idea to have it as a ground rules or freedom that facilitates learning.

* Have fun. This is important: Let the participants know that while they will be discussing very serious topics, they will be doing so in a dynamic and interactive manner, and the hope is that everyone will have fun while working together.

* Anyone has the right to make mistakes

* Switch off mobile phones or put them on silent mode or freedom to only check your messages during the breaks

* All contributions are valuable.

MODULE 2: KEY DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS

Objectives

By the end of the session the participants will be able to define:

* What a PRSP, and PRSP processes is.

* The following terms: sex, gender and gender inequality, macroeconomic frameworks, and what constitutes a macro economic framework; new aid modalities and advocacy.

* The gender inequalities that lead to the four dimensions of poverty--capability, opportunity, security, and empowerment that limit women's benefits from macroeconomic frameworks and PRSPs.

* Participants will appreciate how such knowledge and information impacts on their own recommendations during policy advocacy.

Time

90 minutes

Materials

* Participant Handout B.1 that details out definitions and concepts

* Flipchart paper

* Markers

* Masking tape

* A collection of background information about macroeconomic frameworks and PRSPs in the local context

Advance Preparation

* Review Participant...

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