By: Aniska Graver
Since my previous blog, not much has changed for me. I am still working closely with the GBV consultant on the ROSA GBViE Learning Series, which focuses on Gender-based violence response, prevention and risk mitigation in emergencies and provides examples of Gender Transformative Programming in the South Asia region.
Throughout the past nine weeks, my main task has been working on the learning series. I provide the technical and logistical support for the series. This past week was the final webinar and workshop of the learning series. The gender team has since welcomed two new interns who are both from Nepal. We are all working on exciting projects and we provide weekly updates at our gender team meeting.
Now that the series has ended, we are currently in the process of writing the end of series report that will assess its overall effectiveness. The report will provide the background for the series, and a summary and breakdown of each session’s content, as well as a description of the participant and the impact the series had on their knowledge of GBViE. We have also created workbooks and action plans for participants and the eight South Asian country offices. The workbooks and action plans are based on the worksheets that the participants completed at the weekly workshops. The action plans target the possible entry points and coordination that country offices may use to implement the lessons from the learning series into their programme planning, and recommend the next steps that they could take in the next couple of months in order to take the work forward. We have also rewarded participants who have successfully completed the required tasks such as attending weekly webinars and workshops and the worksheets with a certificate of completion.
Despite the weekly webinars and workshops coming to an end, we have decided to extend the deadline for the participants to complete all the required tasks. Many of the country staff are unable to complete all assignments because they are busy with their end-of-year demands. The new deadline at the end of January would allow participants to complete their outstanding post-tests, worksheets and feedback. This would enable participants who were unable to complete the course in December to take the learning forward and include it in their programming.
Now that I am almost halfway through my internship, I have increased my knowledge of GBViE and UNICEF’s role in GBV response, risk mitigation and prevention. I have also learned a lot about how to run a successful series and the reports that are required at the end of the series. Overall, the learning series has drastically improved my excel, organizational and analytical skills.
Even though I will be working on the series until January, I am happy it has ended, and that I will be able to work on another project. I am eager to explore other gender issues that UNICEF ROSA are involved in.