Gender: ‘Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa’

ABOUT THE COURSE

‘Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa’ is a short, intensive, ten-day residential course which seeks to expand the skills and knowledge of women and men in the Sub-Saharan Africa region to scale up work on engaging men and boys in gender equality, and build a network of leaders and gender justice advocates. In doing so, it aims to strengthen existing work on the greater involvement of men and boys in the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, fatherhood, child sexual exploitation and abuse, LGBTI rights and other issues pertaining to gender equality.

The course will incorporate a mix of thematic and skills-building sessions - covering both theoretical and practical components - as well as a site visit and daily opportunity for self-reflection.  Thematic sessions will address the topics mentioned above, while the skills building sessions will specifically address leadership (including youth leadership), organisational development, research methods, advocacy, resource mobilisation and monitoring and evaluation.  

As part of the training, participants are expected to submit a ‘Project for Change’ proposal, which will be refined during the course and implemented within their respective organisations once the course is completed. Limited seed grants are available for selected participants to implement their project.  Mentors will also be available to all participants to provide them with on-going professional guidance and support beyond the initial training.  In addition, a virtual network of participants will be created, and those attending the course will be linked to their respective national MenEngage network.

The organisers trust that this course will contribute to the strengthening of both individual and organisational capacities, and it is with great pleasure you are hereby invited to apply to attend.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The course is intended for gender activists, programme staff and project managers from women’s rights, children’s rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, and LGBTI organisations, youth leaders, government officials, UN Agency representatives, donors, academics and media advocates. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The ideal candidate will:

• Work in a field where they can influence gender justice and gender equality through their positions within non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), government, UN agencies, donors, academic institutions, faith based organisations, juridical systems or other relevant organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Have a minimum of 3-5 years work experience in gender, advocacy , human rights, social justice and/or sexual and reproductive health and rights  issues 
• Demonstrate commitment and interest in strategies and programmes aimed at engaging men for gender equality within Sub-Saharan Africa
• Have proven and demonstrable leadership experience/skills
• Have a basic understanding of gender issues, particularly around gender justice
• Demonstrate an understanding, commitment and willingness to be part of an intense ten day residential course
• Have an innovative proposal for a ‘Project for Change’, to be implemented on completion of the course
• Have the support of their organisation for both participation in the course and implementation of their Project for Change (where applicable)
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in international relations, human rights, health rights, gender or other relevant fields (practical experience will be taken into account in lieu of an educational background)
• Be fluent in English
• Have experience in running training courses an advantage

COST

There are no registration fees. Applicants are requested to cover all travel related costs in full. Accommodation and course costs will be covered by the hosts.  A number of scholarships that cover the full cost of participation (including travel) are available. The hosts encourage ALL interested parties to apply. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply please go to: www.menengage.org/mati to download the Application and Project for Change Forms, or return the attached forms to [email protected].  Applications to be submitted no later than 25 June 2012. Successful candidates will be notified no later than 10 July 2012.  For further information kindly contact Lucinda van den Heever at: [email protected]