The YWCA European Study Session in Budapest

In line with the theme of the World YWCA Council, the young women learnt about the concept of violence, how to detect and define violence and how can it be approached or reduced. The young women also learnt about the policies and practices of human rights and explored practical tools of project management and design from a gender conscious perspective. They also discussed ways to develop and strengthen their network and advocacy skills, both nationally and regionally.

A few of the young women that attended the Study Session have written about their experience in Budapest.

Monday, July 25, 2011  

Team building and introduction

“Today was our first official day of the Study Session. This morning we had an inspiring talk from the Educational Advisor and Directorate of the Youth and Sports for the Council of Europe and where it fits in with the YWCA. We also learned more about the Council of Europe’s values and key activites which was extrememly interesting.

It was followed by a presentation on the YWCA by Vanessa Marko, who is lead the preparation team for the Study Session. It was great to be reminded of  how big a movement the YWCA is and what we stand for!

The afternoon led the way for team building and icebreaking, we did lots of different activities which included making two teams and working on projects such as making the tallest structure possible out of paper, or making art using something personal from each of our team members.

All in all it was a great start to an inspiring week and I look forward to the days to come.” Lorna McKenzie, YWCA of Glasgow

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

What is violence and why are we here? Human Rights – Policy and Practice; Information presented from the YWCA World Council 2011; Sharing experiences of violence - situations and solutions.

“I am involved with the national YWCA/YMCA in Basel, Switzerland since the age of 7. This study session is, therefore, a great opportunity to meet young women from the YWCA from all over Europe and to realise how big our movement is! I really enjoyed hearing about all the different projects to create a safer world for women and getting inspired by each others ideas. It has also been interesting to discuss the question of dignity with women from different backgrounds and to find out how our environment affects the way we value certain rights.

However, despite all the encouraging moments it was also very frustrating having to hear all the stories we've experienced with violence, and to see that we're still so far from having put all the human rights in action throughout the world. So, I am challenged to help putting the goals that have been set at the YWCA Council into action, especially building-up young women leaders because we are needed.” Christine, YWCA/YMCA Switzerland

“What was interesting for me was to learn new terminologies on violence, such as: structural violence, economic violence, etc. The presentation on Human Rights was also very useful and it provided us with important information. Most of all I enjoyed the group work because during that exercise each country’s representative shared the experience and situation of her country experience.

Each session, presentation, exchange of information, opinion and activity proved to be very important and interesting. Upon receiving this new information I was able to analyse it and it has helped me change my way of.”  Zhenni Matshkalyan,  YWCA of Armenia

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Self confidence, body image and self defense

“The self defense session offered an incredible lesson on how to help yourself when you are vulnerable. The two amazing women from Sweden that led the session taught us to how to walk as a “bodyguard” in the street, giving me the feeling that I can stand on my own two feet and not be afraid. We were also taught the “Male Ruler Techniques” and how to counteract them. These techniques made me realise how often women have to accept a “male ruler” and his efficient way of depriving women of their authority, self-confidence and security, among other things.

The self defense workshop gave me a sense of empowerment and the confidence to stand up for myself. We were taught how to act in a difficult situation and to promise ourselves that no matter how difficult the problem life throws at you is, that you will try as hard as you can to help yourself.” Maria Vafea, YWCA of Greece

Friday, 29^th  July 2011

Sharing ideas and projects; practical tools of project management with a gender conscious perspective; a variety of workshops; and the International Evening

“Friday morning started off with a fish bowl discussion about gender. Questions like: why is it important to talk about gender and other social constructions? How can gender stereotypes and gender structures contribute to violence? Different opinions and strong feelings created a lively discussion. The discussion could have gone on for hours but had to be ended to continue the day with project management.

Before lunch a short introduction to project management was held. We were all very inspired and started to think about what we could do in our own community to prevent violence. The project ideas needed to be smart, sufficient, measurable, achievable, realistic, time framed and inclusive. After lunch a much appreciated workshop market was held. Six participants shared their knowledge and experiences at the market and the themes were: gender and norms, fundraising, creative writing, working with youth, advocacy and media handling. The gender and norms workshop focused on why it is important to consider gender and norms when starting up a project. The participants were able to face their own prejudices and discussed why these are important to be aware of and continually work with. The workshop finished with a discussion on the importance of not assuming that other people feel or think the way you do, and therefore the importance of giving people tools to find their own solutions to their problems. In the reflection group the benefits of leaving your comfort zone were discussed. Several of the workshop leaders held a workshop for the first time and felt empowered and confident afterwards. The day ended with an international evening where all participants were able to share and learn about each other’s countries and food culture.” Rebecka Eriksson,   Coordinator  United Sisters,  Malmö.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Finalising of project ideas; Reflections on the Study Session; Farewell party

“The European YWCA Study Session is a week I will remember because we learned so much about violence against women and how to prevent it through carefully selected materials, presented to us by a team that knew how to capture our attention.

I had the space to talk about my opinions, exchange thoughts with the others and experience situations that were outside of my comfort zone, all of which made me feel more able than I knew I was. We enjoyed an environment of cooperation, solidarity and respect that made it possible for us to share personal thoughts and experiences and learn from each other in the safe space that was created.

There would be a lot more to say about what we gained this week but I don’t have the words for it. I will summarise by saying that I left wanting to know more - more about the subject, more about projects and more about my new friends!

So, thank you Study Session WYCA 2011! I will not forget you!” Dana, YWCA of Romania