WIPC - Formation Révélatrice: Promoting gender equality through the Just Future programme

In a remarkable initiative by Women's International Peace Centre (WIPC)a ground-breaking training on the transformative approach to gender was held in Kinshasa on 20 and 21 September 2023. The event, part of the Just Future programme, was a real catalyst for understanding and change in the field of gender equality.

Gender and women's leadership expert Marie-Joséphine KATSHAYKOLOThe keynote speaker at the workshop was Dr. J.-P. Kolchak, who dispelled the confusions and myths surrounding the concept of gender. With her proven expertise, she provided crucial clarifications while highlighting persistent shortcomings in the management of gender and power within organisations.

The training course had a number of objectives:

• Understanding gender concepts and the gender transformative approach.
• Linking these approaches to day-to-day work.
• Exploring the relationship between gender and social norms.
• Understanding and analysing the concept of power.
• Focus on implementing a transformative approach and examining individual power.

Training on transformative approaches to gender, as part of the Just Future programmewas an enlightening experience. It gave participants a better understanding of the importance of gender equality and its impact on gender identity. The aim was to raise awareness of the internal problems faced by organisations in terms of gender policy and to encourage changes in attitudes and practices towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

One of the main lessons learned from this training course was the emphasis placed on the strategies for change needed to bring about a real transformation in the gender issue. It is now essential to recognise that gender is a complex social and cultural construct, far beyond the simple dichotomy between masculine and feminine. The group discussions and the trainer's teachings highlighted the existential norms of gender, calling for them to be modified as time goes on. This encouraged participants to question existing gender stereotypes and broaden their understanding for authentic change.

The course also highlighted persistent gender inequalities in various areas such as education, employment and the family. Participants shared concrete testimonies to illustrate these inequalities, sparking deep reflection on the underlying causes and ways of combating them.

The transformative approaches to gender taught at the course highlighted the importance of systemic and structural change in achieving genuine gender equality. This requires not only challenging prevailing gender norms and expectations, but also combating systemic discrimination and promoting inclusive policies.

In addition to the theoretical aspects, the training focused on putting gender transformative approaches into practice. Case studies, awareness-raising exercises and role-playing were used to encourage active reflection and help participants develop practical skills to promote gender contextualisation in their daily lives and within their organisations.

This training course on transformative approaches to gender with WIPC was a transformative experience. It encouraged participants to question prevailing gender norms and to promote inclusion and gender equality in their daily lives. The programme partners Just Future by Cordaid have gained a greater understanding and are now faced with exciting challenges such as changing mentalities, promoting women's self-esteem and the need to introduce gender policies within their partner organisations.