This week sees the roll out of a new interactive range of training materials for those working in the construction sector.
The materials, developed by CARE Cambodia with support from the European Union and Austrian Development Cooperation, aim to promote equal opportunities for women working in the construction sector by engaging with both women workers and managers from the companies which employ them.
The new package for representatives of construction companies will be put to the test for the first time at a training session this week. Previous attendees such as Sathya [pictured] say that training with CARE has been helpful to gain a better understanding of issues affecting women, such as maternity leave, as this has enabled him to help women who wish to return to work after having a baby.
Over 100 site managers, HR officers and supervisors from 57 companies have joined CARE’s training so far; the new materials to be launched this week will help deepen understanding for those at future trainings. Managers and supervisors will learn more about what motivates women in the sector via an animated video and interactive activities which challenge stereotypes about women.
The training for managers is complemented by a new set of materials for peer leaders. Women such as Mothea [pictured] conduct awareness sessions with other women workers on topics such as occupational health and safety and gender. In the last 2 years over 40 peer leaders have reached over 2000 women. These sessions will now include comic-book-style stories for discussion and a range of posters featuring the fictional character Chantou. Mothea, who here is arranging her training tools before a session, says she used to feel anxious about standing up to speak in front of people but now she is proud to be a teacher and role model.
Examples from the new materials will be featured on the CARE Cambodia facebook page this week
CARE’s work with women working in construction in Cambodia is funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Cooperation. This work is in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.
Learn more about CARE’s Female Construction Workers project >