Training the Gender Trainer – Capacity Building Programme

Equipping Facilitators to Lead Transformational Gender Equality Training

1. Introduction

Gender equality is a cross-cutting issue central to sustainable development, rights-based governance, and inclusive policy implementation. To effectively advance gender equality, there is a growing need for skilled gender trainers who can lead education, sensitisation, and capacity-building initiatives across sectors.

This “Training the Gender Trainer” programme is designed to develop the facilitation, content development, and critical analysis skills required to train others on gender issues. It is suitable for professionals who aim to become certified gender trainers or enhance their capabilities in delivering gender-focused training in community, institutional, or national contexts.

 

2. Training Objectives

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand key gender theories, concepts, and frameworks
• Apply adult learning principles to gender training
• Develop context-specific, inclusive, and transformative training content
• Facilitate interactive and participatory sessions on gender topics
• Manage group dynamics, resistance, and sensitive discussions
• Assess training needs, monitor training impact, and evaluate learning outcomes

 

3. Target Group

This course is suitable for:

• Gender focal persons in government ministries and departments
• Trainers, facilitators, and educators working in NGOs, CSOs, and development agencies
• HR and DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) practitioners
• Social workers and community-based programme officers
• University lecturers and researchers on gender and development
• Youth leaders and civil society advocates
• Existing trainers seeking gender-specialist credentials

 

4. Course Duration

• Duration: 4 Weeks
• Modules: 16
• Contact Hours: 64–80 hours (4–5 hours per module)
• Delivery Format: In-person / Online / Hybrid
• Training Methodology: Role plays, participatory learning, real-time facilitation practice, peer feedback, simulations

 

5. Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender Theory and Practice

• Key concepts: gender, sex, roles, norms, identity
• Intersectionality and social inclusion

Module 2: Understanding Adult Learning and Training Principles

• Andragogy vs pedagogy
• Adult learning cycles and participatory methods

Module 3: Gender and Power Dynamics

• Power structures, patriarchy, and gender hierarchies
• Gender and socialisation

Module 4: Gender and Development (GAD vs WID)

• Historical evolution of gender in development
• Current global frameworks (CEDAW, SDGs, Beijing Platform)

Module 5: Training Needs Assessment for Gender Programmes

• Assessing learner profiles and training needs
• Setting learning objectives aligned with context

Module 6: Designing Gender-Responsive Training Curricula

• Developing modules, session plans, and learning materials
• Gender-sensitive language and inclusive content

Module 7: Facilitation Skills for Gender Training

• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Questioning, reflection, and summarising techniques

Module 8: Using Participatory Tools and Methods

• Icebreakers, role plays, storytelling, case studies
• Problem tree analysis, gender role mapping, social norm exercises

Module 9: Managing Group Dynamics and Resistance

• Addressing difficult participants and controversial views
• Ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment

Module 10: Gender Mainstreaming in Sectoral Contexts

• Integrating gender in education, health, agriculture, governance, etc.
• Tailoring training content to sector-specific realities

Module 11: Facilitating Discussions on Sensitive Issues

• Gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ inclusion, masculinity
• Trauma-informed approaches and safeguarding

Module 12: Monitoring and Evaluating Gender Training Impact

• Developing pre/post assessments, feedback tools, and learning indicators
• Impact measurement techniques

Module 13: Ethical and Inclusive Practices in Training

• Trainer responsibilities and confidentiality
• Addressing bias, stereotyping, and exclusion

Module 14: Technology and Digital Tools for Gender Training

• Online facilitation techniques
• Tools: Zoom, Miro, Google Jamboard, Padlet, Mentimeter

Module 15: Practicum: Participant-led Training Session

• Participants design and deliver a mini-training session
• Peer and facilitator feedback

Module 16: Action Planning and Becoming a Certified Gender Trainer

• Developing a personal training roadmap
• Linking with gender trainer networks and opportunities

 

6. Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Deliver gender-focused training confidently and professionally
• Apply participatory, inclusive, and transformative training techniques
• Address power, resistance, and diversity in learning spaces
• Design effective gender curricula tailored to target groups
• Evaluate and report on training effectiveness
• Advocate and lead gender capacity-building initiatives within organisations and communities

 

7. Certification

• Award: Certificate of Completion: Training the Gender Trainer
• Issued by: [Accredited Training Institution / Gender Training Academy / University]
• Certification Requirements:
• Minimum 85% attendance
• Successful delivery of practicum session
• Completion of individual or group action plan

This certificate confirms the participant is capable of facilitating high-quality gender training and contributing to inclusive development and equality initiatives.

 

Optional Add-ons:

• Gender Training Toolkit (session templates, checklists, activities)
• Access to global training resource library
• Membership in alumni or global gender trainer networks
• Post-course mentorship or coaching sessions