Rob Fairmichael, Ireland

A reflection on the training of trainers in gender sensitive active non violence that I participate in? Well, the first thing to say is that it is difficult, when confronted with so many people, issues and ideas from around the world, to state immediately "This is what I have learnt’. It requires a longer period of reflection and
 
It will require a longer period of reflection - and 'reflection in action'. I am learning much about gender-sensitivity in relation to my work. I work for an Irish Network for Nonviolent Action Training and Education.
 
As a European the impression is that the situation of women is much better than in some other areas in the world. However, this is only an 'external' factor - and this argument should not be used to deny the changes that need to happen in Europe on gender-related issues.
 
I think it’s also important to distinguish between situations that I have a direct influence or control over and other situations that are less controllable for me personally and are more taking place on a ‘macro-level’. It’s very important for me to be gender sensitive in my personal life and in my immediate field of work, since I have the most influence in these areas.
 
I have learned a lot in training in a variety of ways. Theoretical frameworks and practical exercises have been an important part of the learning, since we need to learn how to use the tools to ‘break out of the box of current, dominant and violent norms of masculinity’. However, I have also learned a lot from discussion with the participants, they are really an amazing bunch of guys!
 
We were together with 19 trainees from 17 different countries – all with a great humour and perseverance. The exchange of experiences, the stories on the experiences of women in struggling for peace from for instance Liberia, Kenya and Zimbabwe, the sharing on violence and indignities suffered by so many people, the theories and experiences related to feminisms and positive masculinities – these are just some aspects of this inspiring gathering.
 
It feels an absolutely amazing event in my life and I feel very privileged to be here, as the only European participant.
 
I know I will be bringing home far, far more than a load of books and materials. I will be bringing home a new window on the world and what I need to do. When I was 16 and in school I edited a magazine called "Challenge' which looked at some issues of concern. Forty years later, aged 56, I have some new challenges and for that I feel really grateful to the WPP.