Within the framework of the project "Education and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups of Women and Girls in Montenegro - EKOS", funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and implemented by Zavod KROG from Slovenia in partnership with the NGO IMPULS and the NGO IKRE Rožaje from Montenegro, the "Training for staff, volunteers and activists in the NGO sector" to improve knowledge and capacity in the field of gender-based violence was launched last weekend. The training took place from 16 to 18 June 2023 at the Philia Hotel in Podgorica.

The Academy is aimed at strengthening the capacity of NGOs in Montenegro working on gender-based violence. The aim is to train trainers to provide quality support to women and girls who are victims of violence and to raise awareness about the importance of violence prevention and the protection of women's human rights.

The training covered various topics related to gender-based violence, including different forms of violence, domestic violence, sexual violence against women and girls, peer violence, cyber violence and other relevant areas. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the resources available within the community to implement the rights of victims of violence as well as to learn about human rights and international mechanisms and instruments for the protection of women's human rights. Moreover, the participants had the possibility to integrate into the interactive work the identification and building of personal strength, the development of self-confidence, and to address the basics of positive psychology.

The training was interactive and tailored to the specific needs of the participants. Through lectures, workshops and group discussions, expert speakers from Slovenia shared their knowledge, experience and good practices in the field of gender-based violence in Slovenia. It is the energy and professionalism of the trainers that left a special and positive impression on the trainees.

The "Training for Trainers in the NGO Sector" represents an important step towards strengthening the capacity of the NGO sector in Montenegro to address the challenges of gender-based violence. The training will enable participants to acquire the professional knowledge and skills necessary to provide support to victims of violence and to actively participate in the prevention of violence and protection of women's human rights. This has also been reflected in the testimonials of participants who, after the first training, say that the programme brings novelties, fresh ideas and new insights.