This project is being implemented with the support of GIZ (CPS) and it started with a Needs Assessment which was conducted by CEEC in July 2014 in Burnt Forest. Following the findings from the Needs Assessment, CEEC conducted two trainings in November 2014 which aimed at building the capacity of both men and women to combat GBV. The first training was for 36 women and it took place on 19th – 22nd November 2014. In addition to issues of gender based violence, the women also got information from the Gender officer from Eldoret East and the Women Enterprise Fund field officer on opportunities available to them including Uwezo Fund. This was aimed at facilitating women’s economic empowerment thus making them less vulnerable to GBV. The women’s training was followed by another one for 31 men on 24th -27th November 2014. The men’s training focused on the link between flawed masculinities (characterized by male disempowerment) and GBV.
Both sets of trainees were drawn from 8 farms in Burnt Forest namely Lingway, Kamuyu, Rukuini, Rironi/Kaplalach, Ndungulu, Chuiyat, Barekeiywo and Kagongo. They identified GBV and alcoholism as two very serious and interrelated problems in all the farms. Although men are the main perpetrators, it emerged that in some cases they are on the receiving end and especially those who are alcoholics. A guest speaker from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital gave a talk on alcoholism and both the men and women were shocked to learn that it is a disease with far reaching health and social effects. On 28th November 2014, both groups of trainees got together and came up with joint action plans on how to disseminate what they had learnt to other community members in their respective farms.
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