Virtual Activism’s Executive Director co-trained a workshop with IREX [the International Research and Exchange Board]. IREX is a global development and education organization that often provides training and funding to NGOs, globally. Also co-trainer was leading women’s rights advocate and expert from Iran, Sussan Tahmasebi. IREX also provided English-Arabic translation.
The workshop was held in Cyprus from June 30- July 5th, 2018. It was designed for women from Middle East NGOs. It was entitled Advocacy & Communications for Positive Change & Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence .
The workshop was designed for newer, less experienced organizations and activists, and intended to support them in examining different types of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Advocacy/ Communications Campaigns that could be be implementable given the current restrictive context in their countries. Through a step-by-step and participatory process participants selected a topic/intervention area for advocacy and then developed advocacy plans that could be implemented upon return to their home countries.
Leading women’s rights advocate and expert from Iran, Sussan Tahmasebi – co-trainer 
Monica Makkar and Alexa Brand from IREX – organizers 
Marlyn Tadros, co-trainer 
Isis and Mandy in the translation booth
