In 2002-2013, the Women Support Center has organized 16 Gender Schools.We trained more than 400 people, including representatives of civil society and local authorities, school and universityteachers, lawyers, and others.Subsequently, participants of these seven-days training events work to address gender issues in their target groups and communities with the inclusion of social partnershipmechanisms. This work is carried out independently and/orthrough WSC’s projects.
The methodology developed for the Gender Schools is a unique product that is based on international experience, national and international documents, studies, and our own observations.The training format is based on the principles of adult learning and interactive use of modern educational technologies (such as video presentations and review of cases from real life). The format also takes into account an existing mentality of the population of Kyrgyzstan.An important feature of the Gender Schools’ approach is small facilitated groups. Such approach ensures that each participant is actively involved and thoroughly works through all training materials.
The Gender Schools’curriculum is tailored according to the level, needs, and professional interests of the targeted audience.For example, we have developed a targeted curriculum for several Gender schools organized for primary school and kindergarten teachers. These Schools have aimed at the introduction of elements of gender knowledge in the educational process.
The content of the Gender Schools conducted lately (September 2011-2013) focused around the theme of political and economic rights of women and international and national human rights mechanisms.The National Gender School has been organized within the framework of the project «Promotion of political and economic rights of women in the new context of Kyrgyzstan». The purpose of this project is to promote an enabling environment for an effective promotion and protection of political and economic rights of women in Kyrgyzstan in line with national commitments on gender equality.
In 2013, we have held two Regional Gender Schools in cities Cholpon-Ata and Osh.The activities have aimed an increased gender sensitivity and expertise of members of the Network KYWRAW and of decision-makers to enable a consolidationof their efforts in promoting gender equality, implementing the National Gender Plan (NAP) 2012-2014, and monitoring the implementation of CEDAW Convention at local levels.
The Gender School suggested a mechanism for a dialogue between local authorities and civil society for jointly promoting women’s political rights.The Regional Schools have resultedin signing a Memorandum of cooperation.
These activities have been funded by the Fund for Gender Equality (FGE), UN-Women.
The Women Support Center has plans to conduct Gender Schools and other trainings.A particular attention will be paid to developing new themes and methods, as well as to securing regional civil societies with a sustainable trainers’capacity.In addition, it should be noted that civil societies in the Central Asian countries have expressed their interest in participating in our gender training and learning our training methods.