Program Brief
Over the course of three days, Explore Aid Nigeria hosted a transformative training program aimed at empowering researchers and research assistants for transitional gender justice in Nigeria. The training brought together early-career researchers, academics, and field practitioners to deepen their understanding of gender justice concepts, transitional justice mechanisms, and participatory research methodologies.
The curriculum covered: theoretical frameworks of transitional gender justice; documentation and investigation of human rights violations; survivor-centered research ethics; and strategies for translating research into advocacy and policy influence. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, case studies from post-conflict contexts, and practical exercises on designing gender-sensitive research tools. The training also addressed self-care and vicarious trauma for researchers working with survivors of violence.
A total of 40 participants (25 women, 15 men) from universities, civil society organizations, and independent research networks attended. The training was facilitated by experts from Explore Aid, York University (Canada), and the International Center for Transitional Justice. Pre- and post-training evaluations showed a 50% increase in participants' confidence to apply transitional gender justice frameworks in their work.
Key outcomes: formation of a network of gender justice researchers in Northeast Nigeria; development of a research agenda co-created by participants; and commitment from three universities to integrate transitional gender justice modules into their postgraduate programs. The training has significantly strengthened local capacity to produce evidence that informs advocacy and policy on gender justice in conflict-affected communities.