UN Women conducts pilot training for women in humanitarian fields

Participants of the concluded training on women's security pose for a group picture at UNON Compound in Nairobi. Photo: UN Women/ Faith Bwibo

Research has shown that women are at risk in both private and public spaces, neighborhoods, communities and large cities. There is a myriad of challenges that women are faced with not only in everyday work but also when going to the field, especially when undertaking various assignments at different work environments and offices. Therefore, issues of women’s security and safety are central if an organization is to fully achieve its mandate.

The unique security challenges as stated above led to a tailor-made Women and Security Training for female staff members working across UN Office in Nairobi targeting all agencies in the region. From the training, it was evident that while women make up majority of the population, their specific security needs are rarely addressed.

‘The most common forms of gender-based violence include: family or domestic violence, including partner violence; sexual violence (rape, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation) and trafficking and women’s safety in public spaces including public transportation according to the Global Assessment on Women’s Safety.

‘This training is a first of its kind, and I am glad that I got to attend it. I have gained immense knowledge over the past two days’, said Alice Kimanzi, a participant.

Patricia from UN Women explains a point to participants during a practical session on security in the field. Photo: UN Women/ Faith Bwibo

This training brought security experts for a 2-day training for women as in topics covered under various themes including Cultural Awareness, Travel and Commuting; Operations in the Field Including Understand importance and key elements of correct procedures for safe operations, applying personal safety in field environments and when travelling among others.

Sessions also delved into how to manage hygiene and safety in the field and general emotional awareness.

Violence against women and sexual harassment and assault/ rape was also covered and the participants were informed of the measures to take when faced with these scenarios. This also created a safe space where the ladies shared their experiences and learned from each other.

‘I am passionate about women, and more so about their safety. That is why I saw the need to conduct this specific training’, commented Patricia Berkis Perez, one of the training coordinators.

Another key area of training was mental health and awareness including Stress Management. The facilitators places emphasis on how to react during stressful and unexpected situations and how to reduce risks. Lastly, a session on Prevention, Awareness and Defensive techniques was practically covered where participants were shown easy self-defense tactics that are useful in case they find themselves in danger.