The Ukrainian Red Cross Team in the Sumy Region Strengthens its Capacity in the Field of Protection, Gender, and Inclusion and Safeguarding Issues

In early May 2024, a two-day training session on Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) and Safeguarding was held for the staff and volunteers of several branches of the Ukrainian Red Cross in the Sumy region. The training was conducted by Krystyna Hordieenko, Safeguarding Officer of the Ukrainian Red Cross PGI Unit, and Sini Ramo, PGI delegate from the Swedish Red Cross.  

Overall, 24 participants deepened their knowledge and skills in core Protection, Gender, and Inclusion issues in humanitarian response, including key concepts, the PGI approach within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the Minimum Standards for PGI in emergencies. Additionally, they learned how and why to conduct a PGI analysis to identify gaps, strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society’s (URCS) activities, and promote meaningful inclusion. 

Through practical and interactive exercises, including case studies, the participants learned how to apply the PGI standards of Dignity, Access, Participation and Safety (DAPS) in different sectoral activities. They also explored approaches aimed at supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including the provision of psychological first aid to those who report violence. 

“I gained a lot of new information and skills from this training. I especially liked learning about the PGI minimum standards and DAPS principles, as well as how to work with people in an inclusive manner. After this training, I plan to implement these principles in practice and integrate them into the mine safety and awareness training I conduct,” says Yelyzaveta Kyseliova, Mine Safety Training Officer from Shostka, Sumy region. 

“It was interesting to learn about Safeguarding and understand the different forms of violence and exploitation that people can experience and how we can help. It was also important to learn more about gender equality, the difference between sex and gender, gender roles and norms, and the DAPS standards. These standards are particularly critical in home-based care, shaping how we communicate with vulnerable individuals and ensuring dignity and safety in our work,” says Liudmyla Danylenko, Home-Based Care Coordinator in the Sumy region.  

During 2023 and early 2024, the Ukrainian Red Cross PGI Unit conducted several online and in-person training workshops for staff and volunteers in the Chernihiv, Lviv, Kyiv, Zakarpattia, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions. In addition, an online module is also planned for 2024 to ensure wider accessibility for staff and volunteers, providing them with opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge on these critical topics.