WFAD organised a two-day Capacity-Strengthening Gender Training: Tools and Methods for its members on July 15th and 16th. The training was given by Billy Batware, a certified trainer. The training was organised in an interactive manner through zoom. Through different exercises in smaller breakout rooms, the given theoretical information was practically implemented through discussions. The participants have all participated actively and received a certificate of participation after the fulfilment of the training.

On the first day, information on understanding what a conflict is, how to profile the situation, and how to start analysing the conflict was given. The second day dived into more detailed tools to analyse the specifics of the conflict, analysing the stakeholders and dynamics of the conflict, to create a basis to build a programme/solution. Overall, the necessity to understand the problem from different aspects and its root cause before solving it was stressed. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good. Besides this, understanding the own motivation behind solving the problem/conflict is necessary to reflect. The level of motivation and honesty can determine how far one can go to solve the problem. These questions can only be answered by oneself when analysing.

Furthermore, it was shared that it is important to go back and forth for the identification of actors when analysing the conflict. Therefore, it is highly advised to analyse, by using the tools, in a group rather than alone. It should be kept in mind that a conflict can arise among stakeholders as well. This will be reflected in the analysis since it is affected by the conflict. Conflicts, in general, are not linear but fluctuating. The analysis allows you to see how the conflict has been evolving. Keep in mind that the analysis is done in a particular moment of the conflict, which should be considered. It creates an understanding of why the situation has escalated and what can be done as an NGO. Overall, an intervention always requires a third actor. When focusing on the target group of the conflict, it is important to try to narrow them down as much as possible while including goals and measurable and realistic objectives.

During the training, the tools got connected with gender-sensitive issues. The generic tools can be individualised for any specific conflict. The group was divided into various break out rooms, where gender-sensitive conflicts got analysed, assisted by the various tools.
The tools provided during the training:

• Conflict (issue/problem) Tree – Understanding and drawing the core problem, causes, and effects.
• Stakeholder Mapping (SMAP) – showcasing the existing connections between and positions of stakeholders in the conflict, while understanding the dynamics.

In the future, WFAD will be organising more Capacity-Strengthening trainings. Not a member yet but interested to join? Join us now!