This course offers an introduction to gender studies, analysis of the complex relationships between gender and social constructions and between gender, race and class privileges. During the course we will explore the interdependency between gender and power and focus on theory and practices of gender roles in different societies. The course will seek to explore how understanding of gendered social constructions can help in addressing gender inequalities and promote gender equity and cultures of peace.

The course will then focus on militarism, the war system and peace – as expressions of social and gender-based constructions. It will demonstrate a direct connection between militarism and gender based violence, gender based societal positions and violent societies through examples from the Middle East, South East Asia, Western and Eastern Europe, with emphasis on the Balkans and the US.

Gender identity will be examined, via dichotomies such as passivity-activity, hero-victim (heroism-victimhood / victimization), femininities-masculinities, strong-weak and peace-war. It will highlight gender issues related to war such as rape as a tool of war, human and women’s security and protection strategies such as community based security, national and international intervention and peace keeping operations in relation to gendered power relationships.

Contextual texts used in the training will include: UN Security Council resolution 1325, CEDAW.

This programme is particularly relevant for senior and middle-range staff and executive officers working in the fields of:
- gender equity;
- education;
- social work;
- peacebuilding and conflict transformation;
- human rights;
- democratization;
- human development.

Including in such organizations as:
- national and international aid and development organisations;
- local NGO and community organisations;
- UN, EU, OSCE and international organisations;
- mainstream and community media;
- field staff working in areas affected by violent conflict and war or in post-war/violence situations;
- international diplomats;
- national and local level politicians in countries affected by war and conflict or with portfolios responsible for above issues.

The Training Programme will take place from Monday to Friday, January 29 – February 2, 2007 at the Romanian Peace Institute in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Participants will be expected to arrive by Sunday, January 28.

The Training Programme will be divided into a Morning and Afternoon session for each day, combining intensive training, group work, and workshop sessions. There will be a one and a half hours break for lunch and individual work in between, and additional breaks for tea and coffee in each session. The programme will begin each day at 10:00, and run until 18:00.

The training schedule
Monday, January 29
Morning Session: Introduction to the Programme, Trainer and Participants followed by an Introduction to The Difference between Gender and Sex.
Afternoon Session: Introduction to public and private peace situations. Mapping: Gendered Power Relations.
Tuesday, January 30
Morning Session: Gender, Peacebuilding and Identity
Women and Man in Armed Conflict Situations. Public and Private Spheres (education into War and Sexism)
Afternoon Session: Gendered Dialogue Process – Examples from dialogue encounters around the world.
Wednesday, January 31
Morning Session: Man, Women and Social Constructions: Internalizing the Oppression (King and Queen game)
Afternoon Session: Film followed by discussion about women and men in Israel and Palestine.
Thursday, February 1
Morning Session: UN Security Council resolution 1325- Women’s participation in Peace Building and De-Militarization of their communities.
Afternoon Session: Peacebuilding and Gender Mainstreaming: Reality, and the Dream.
Friday, February 2
Morning Session: Past, Present and 10 Reasons: Reshaping the Future
Building a Peace Museum.
Afternoon Session: Reflections and Evaluation
Summary & Next Steps.

How to apply
Applicants requiring visas for travel to Romania are requested to send in a copy of their CV and the completed Application Form no later than November 27^th, 2006.

Applicants who do not require visas for travel to Romania are requested to send in a copy of their CV and the completed Application Form no later than January 10^th, 2007.

There are a limited number of positions available. If you are interested in participating in the “Gender and Peacebuilding” training programme we would encourage you to contact TRANSCEND and to submit your application as soon as possible.

Costs and fees
Participation fees for the full 5-days training programme are:
- Euro 550 for participants from OECD countries, and staff of UN agencies, OSCE, and international organizations;
- Euro 350 for participants from non-OECD countries;

The participation fee covers accommodation, breakfast and lunch for the 5 days of the programme, participation in the training programme, and all materials.

Accommodation is provided in double rooms. Single room accommodation is available for all participants for Euros 42 extra for the week.

Deadline to apply: November 27th 2006 for applicants who need visa for Romania January 10th, 2007 for applicants who do not need a visa.

For detailed information and applications refer to the contacts.

CONTACTS
Alexandra Nerisanu
Tel.: + 40 264 420298
E-mail: alexandra@transcend.org
Website: www.transcend.org