This testimonial was written by Donna-Marie Fry, a participant in the How to Be a Gender Trainer course with Dr. Lucy Ferguson in February 2023.

I was really excited to join the "How to be a Gender Trainer" training course in February 2023. I was drawn to this training because I really believe feminist principles in training and research can facilitate a necessary shift and balance of power and therefore ownership of the processes involved compared to traditional approaches.

It was a privilege to be able to spend the week of this training not only taking time to critically reflect and discuss feminist pedagogical principles (FPP) with other enthusiastic and dedicated participants but also observe the instructor, Dr. Lucy Ferguson, and my workshop colleagues implement these through practical activities in a safe, inclusive and constructive learning space. Lucy really lives and breathes these FPPs through every aspect of the workshop. 

This training provided the space to answer many of my questions about FPPs, but has also left me asking even more questions about what this might look like in the projects I am working on, and how I am going to approach different consultancies prioritising these principles and values. I think that is a clear sign of an excellent training! I am really look forward to the follow up session! 

~Donna Marie