Igma Femina – Training and Development Conference September 2018

“Shortening Distance to Education / Labour Market for migrant and refugee women through gender-sensitive counselling and local collaboration strategies”

Alongside our UK partner Rinova, we travelled to Tilburg in the Netherlands to meet and undertake a five day training programme hosted by Revalento and alongside our other Igma Femina Partners including; Folkuniversitetet, Vinnitsa Regional Department and Dimitra.

Roger at Revalento introduced us to Tilburg and outlined the general aspects of the Igma Femina methodology and gender awareness handbook, all partners were encouraged to feedback.

Folkuniversitetet introduced the training material and highlighted appropriate exercises useful to take back to our own countries.  Vinnitsa Regional Development educated the group on how we can create awareness of the Igma Femina methodology and gave in depth training on gender sensitive counselling.  Maria at Dimitra followed this by testing the Career Counselling and coaching in a gender sensitive way training modules, positive discussion occurred and recommended amendments made.  Rebecca at Rinova presented Module 3 and trained members in how to profile and assess in a gender sensitive way.  Anne-Marie and Jessica from 15billion followed with a training session focussed on Module 4 employer involvement and gender issues, raising gender awareness and the role that employers play.  Opportunities for feedback was offered throughout the training sessions and recommended actions made.

We visited ‘Broodje Aap – Linke Soep’ a community organisation linking refugees with the catering industry.  We enjoyed a delicious meal of locally sourced products cooked and prepared by refugees who share a common lunch whilst learning Dutch.  The experience was amazing and truly inspirational.

All partners explored how best to pilot the training sessions to meet the requirements of the funding whilst also having maximum impact.  In the UK, we will be piloting our programme to organisations that work with female refugees and migrant workers, with employers and alongside other key stakeholders.  If you would like to be included on future developments of the Igma-Femina training programme or attend the pilot training sessions please contact Anne-Marie, Shereen or Jessica (igmafemina@15billionebp.org).