Capacity Development

Swayam’s experience, expertise and reputation have led us to develop into a frequently used resource organisation. Swayam conducts and facilitates capacity building training for various types of organisations, institutions and groups of individuals; some examples are discussed below. Our staff members are also invited as guest speakers at conferences, seminars, consultations, meetings and film shows.

Government Institutions

Swayam holds workshops, seminars and training on gender justice and the law with judges, lawyers, protection officers and law students. We conduct sensitisation programmes with Panchayat members as well as police staff from different districts in West Bengal. We have also delivered training on Sexual Harassment at the Workplace to government employees. We conduct trainings with lawyers on The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

Lawyer Feedback: “I learnt how to use the (Protection of Women from) Domestic Violence Act more effectively and how to tackle difficult judgement decisions”  (following PWDVA, 2005 workshops for lawyers)

Police Feedback: Officers have reported becoming more sympathetic to abused women presenting to their stations and realising how their approach to the case can help the victim. (following Violence against Women training)

Educational Institutions

As well as visiting educational institutions during awareness campaigns, Swayam also builds capacity in schools, colleges and training institutes by training teachers and students on women’s rights issues.

Engaging School and College Students

We work with school and college students with a focus on men and boys to inspire them to speak out and take action against inequality and violence against women in their personal lives and in their families, friend's circles and communities.

Teacher Feedback: “The training was filled with information and solutions for harassment issues. Now I will create awareness, first in my classes, also in my family, then in my society.”  (following Sexual Harassment and Prevention training)

Student Feedback: “Now I realise that no work/activities are to be classified to be done by men or women, nor should women be objectified in the way that they are currently by society. Women should be able to live more independently. I look forward to spreading awareness on these messages”.  (following Gender Sensitisation training)

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) & Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

Swayam is also functions as a resource and mentoring organisation to build capacities of other organisations. Swayam provides training on a large range of topics associated with women’s rights and violence against women/girls. 

Swayam conducts National Level residential trainings on Primary Counselling and Self Care for Case Workers (5 days) and Case Work Strategies and Law (7 days) for women's organisations working with survivors of violence every year.

NGO Staff Feedback: “I am now clear about what my role and responsibilities are to stop violence against women and to protest against patriarchy.”  (following Gender Sensitisation training)

Case Worker Feedback: “It was very fruitful training which was full of energy; everyday has helped me to enhance my counselling skills and affected me positively and professionally.” (following training in Primary Counselling Skills and Self Care for Case Workers)

Corporate Houses

As a result of the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2013) and the requirements which this Act stipulates, Swayam have been approached by many corporate organisations to deliver training in this area. Some of the companies Swayam have worked with include IDEA Cellular and Khaitan & Co.