THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Gender Affairs Bureau in collaboration with the Sexual Offenses Domestic Violence Policy Unit in Region Two, on Thursday hosted a women’s group training and empowerment workshop at Anna Regina.

The workshop was facilitated by Prevention Programme and Education Officer, Sandra Thompson in the auditorium of the Anna Regina Secondary School.

Participants learnt about gender, anger management and conflict resolution.

Thompson told this publication that it was the first initiative of its kind in the region and it is hoped that the participants can share their new-found knowledge in their communities.

She said that the Gender Affairs Bureau plans to have continuous training sessions with women in all 10 administrative regions.

According to her, the bureau wants to get women involved in gender equality discussions and the promotion of gender equality because “we have recognised that women are disproportionally affected by domestic violence and other issues as it relates to gender equality.”

Thompson told this publication that they are also working with men in the various regions.

“We are also working with men in making them understand the social issues affecting women and how they can contribute in helping them,” Thompson said.

Similar trainings were conducted in Regions Three and Five and the next set will be held in Regions Eight and Nine.

Thompson disclosed that there are 72 women groups across the country.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the region’s Women’s and Gender Affairs Committee, Vierna Rasheed said that she is happy that Region Two is benefitting from such training.

She said that the women who participated are from various groups in the region and they will be going back to their communities to share the information.

One of the participants, Kareshma Gopal said that the sessions were very informative. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for holding the workshop.