VIDC Global Dialogue has been dealing with masculinities in the context of migration and the inclusion of boys* and men* in gender equality programs since 2010. Since 2016, VIDC has been running gender TANDEM training courses for Afghan men* in cooperation with various Afghan associations, with around 400 participants* to date. Since the beginning of 2020, the training courses have also been offered for women* and girls*. So far, 170 Afghan and Syrian women* have taken part. On average, there are 12-16 participants aged 16 and over per training cycle.
The Gender TANDEM training aims to sensitize men* and women* from migrant communities to gender equality, open up new perspectives and provide them with tools to reflect on the costs and benefits of gender constructions. Taboo topics, fears and experiences are discussed in a safe space and strategies for empowerment and violence prevention are developed. The training triggers an empowerment and sensitization process that will hopefully have an impact far beyond the training itself.
Through the intercultural tandem, which consists of a trainer from the majority society and a trainer from the migrant community who work together on an equal footing.
This tandem principle is an important success factor and distinguishes our training from other programs. It has contributed significantly to the success and high demand for the training courses.
What are the advantages of the intercultural tandem?
As part of a two-day training of trainers, trainers from the respective community and the majority society are trained and the tandems are formed that will subsequently carry out the training sessions.
The tandem training comprises four consecutive modules (workshops) of four hours each on the following topics:
Module 1: Gender (in)equality
Module 2: Mental, physical, reproductive and sexual health
Module 3: Family and (freedom from) violence
Module 4: Securing livelihoods
These topics are discussed and worked on with the participants using a mix of methods from emancipatory, gender-reflective pedagogy. Emancipatory means starting with the experiences and options for action of the refugees. Gender-reflective means questioning power relations, hierarchies and privileges while at the same time recognizing vulnerabilities and discrimination.
It is therefore very important to recognize diversity, i.e. different experiences, lifestyles and cultural frames of reference, within the category of men and the category of women. The training aims to convey a differentiated picture - based on an intersectionality approach.
In 2024, VIDC Global Dialogue is cooperating with the following associations:
1) NEUER START cultural and sports association: focus on young people and sports as well as various integration measures (educational offers, language courses, support with job applications and career entry)
2) Akis - Afghan cultural association: Focus on promoting women through an international events program and publisher of the women's magazine Banu
3) Afghan Youth Association: Focus on young people and women and various courses (job application courses, English courses for young people); during the pandemic: Gaam TV and model group for fashion shows
4) Association Solidarity with Afghan refugees: Focus on women, supports families in need and works closely with the women's section of Akis.
2023 year we had a good cooperation with the association Souriat (Syrian Woman for Justice and Peace) and the Syrian association MIA (Migration, Integration, Labor Market).
We invite counseling centers and contact points for (migrant) women and men to provide input on their offers and services in three of four modules. In Module 2 on mental, physical, sexual and reproductive health, there will be input from the women's health center FEM Süd in women's training and from the men's health center MEN in men's training. In Module 3, which deals with family, relationships and (freedom from) violence, the Association of Autonomous Women's Shelters Austria, the Men's Counseling Service and the Parents' Workshop Association are cooperation partners. In Module 4 on securing livelihoods and social security, an input is offered by the Center for Migrants.
With regard to these inputs, the motto is: Knowledge is power! The more the participants know, the better they can assert their rights. In the case of victims of violence seeking help, they are referred to suitable advice centers/specialist centers.
The trainers from the communities are perceived as role models by the participants and continue to have an impact as such in the migrant associations and in the migrant communities. The training courses therefore have a strong multiplier effect and promote sustainability in this sense.
The trainers from the majority society also act as role models. They can pass on the Tandem experience and intercultural gender competence within their sphere of influence and thus break down unconscious, hidden stereotypes.
“Through my life story and my personal experiences, I am aware of the problems faced by women* from the community and the surrounding area. In one way or another, many women* are exposed to enormous pressure from their husbands*, brothers* and fathers*. I really appreciate how I was helped back then and how my life has changed for the better today. In the same way, I want to help other women* to free themselves from their dilemma. It means a lot to me when my former participants* call me and tell me about their new life, their work, their independence and their new happiness and express their gratitude.”
