By: Richa Macsuedon, Senior Program Coordinator, HomeNet South Asia
To create any lasting change, it is essential to empower community leaders with the right skills and knowledge. HomeNet South Asia (HNSA) is committed to this approach when it comes to addressing gender-based violence (GBW).
HNSA recently conducted two intensive ‘Train the Trainer’ workshops focused on enabling home-based workers (HBW) to not just identify and address gender-based violence, but also amplify this knowledge within their communities.
Creating a new generation of facilitators in Delhi
In collaboration with SEWA Bharat and with facilitators from the Institute of Social Studies Trust (ISST), HNSA organised a 4-day workshop in Delhi for HBW leaders from Delhi and Bihar. The training blended theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
The sessions introduced participants to concepts like patriarchy, gender roles and discrimination. Attendees engaged in group discussions on violence and the various inequalities they face. A key part of the program involved a visit to a local police station to understand real-world response mechanisms. The training also offered attendees a chance to conduct their own mock training sessions – allowing them to practice their facilitation skills and receive valuable feedback, preparing them for their new roles as master trainers. The workshop concluded with the creation of tangible training plans.
Empowering leaders in Tiruppur
The impact was further extended to Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, with another similar workshop conducted with SAVE, with support from ISST facilitators. The sessions utilised highly interactive methods to engage participants – teaching the core concepts of GBV through screenings, group readings and presentations. Role-plays, character cards and discussions enabled attendees to enact situations from their lives – delving into topics like unpaid care work, access to resources and different concepts of masculinity.
The final days focused on building training skills through practice sessions, exploring effective communication strategies, and developing training plans.
Looking ahead
The participants of both the workshops left equipped to design and deliver their own impactful training sessions in future. Given the massive success of the workshops, a similar event was held in Nepal too.
These workshops are a crucial step in building a sustainable, worker-led movement against gender-based violence. By equipping these master trainers, HNSA is ensuring that vital support systems can be built and scaled across communities, fostering safer and more equitable environments for all home-based workers.
