Stepping Stones Training Package on Gender Communication and HIV [Toolkit]

Stepping Stones is a training package in gender, HIV, communication and relationship skills.

It includes:

• A 240-page manual for trainers
• An accompanying workshop video of 15 five-minute clips (though the manual can be used without the video)
• Instructions on how to run approximately 60 hours of workshop sessions, divided into 18 sessions over 10 to 12 weeks

Stepping Stones grew out of the need to address the vulnerability of women and young people in decision-making about sexual behavior. The materials enable people to explore the huge range of issues which affect our sexual health – including gender roles, money, alcohol use, traditional practices, attitudes to sex, attitudes to death and our own personalities. The workshops are designed to be held with four peer groups drawn from a community at the same time.

The workshop aims to enable individuals, their peers and their communities to change their behavior – individually and together – through the ‘stepping stones’ which the various sessions provide. Although originally designed for use throughout sub-Saharan Africa, it is also being successfully adapted for use in Asia, North and Latin America and Europe. All sessions use a participatory approach of adult learning through shared discussions. The exercises are all based on people’s own experiences, and role play and drawing exercises enable everyone to take part. No literacy is needed. Stepping Stones was developed between 1993 and 1995, mainly in Uganda, working with a rural community, comprising Muslims, Protestants, Catholics and others, all living together in the same village.

Date of Publication: March 25, 2019