The Forum for African Women Educationalists Zimbabwe Chapter (FAWEZI), in partnership with Action Aid Zimbabwe (AAZ), Family AIDS Caring Trust (FACT), and Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe (LCDZ), successfully conducted training sessions for Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe Community Champions, Community Leaders, and Drama groups on the “Towards Resilience Communities with Health, Equity and Safety for all” (TORCHES) project SASA! Together Support Phase.

The training aimed to equip participants with knowledge, skills, and confidence to implement activities of the support phase, build participants’ understanding of “joining power with” others to prevent violence against women, and enhance participants’ knowledge and skills to support survivors of violence.

During the training sessions, participants were engaged in various activities, including group discussions, role-playing, and presentations. The sessions focused on topics such as the importance of community engagement in preventing violence against women, the role of men in supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment, and the need for inclusive and accessible support services for survivors of violence. Participants were also equipped with skills in counseling, referral, and advocacy to support survivors of violence.

The training sessions were highly interactive, with participants actively engaging with each other and the trainers. The sessions also provided a safe space for participants to share their experiences and challenges in addressing violence against women in their communities. The trainers provided guidance and support to participants, using a participatory and inclusive approach that ensured the needs and perspectives of all participants were taken into account.

The TORCHES project SASA! Together has been instrumental in promoting health, equity, and safety for all members of the community in Chitungwiza hence the successful training sessions will go a long way in helping to strengthen the capacity of community champions, leaders, and allies to work together to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Menard