As its contribution to Women’s Day celebrations, DIRCO organized a 5-day event for 60 women leaders from across the country and all walks of life on 6 – 10 August 2016. At this event CMA facilitated a training workshop for participants on essential skills for conflict resolution and mediation. This training happened on the 7th and 8th. The training was facilitated, on behalf of CMA, by two very experienced women trainers, namely Dr Undine Whande and Ms René Ngwenya.

From the assessments written by participants three issues stand out: the importance of a good, objective analysis of the situation, the key role played by attentive listening, and the importance to be in touch with one’s own emotional state when attempting to mediate in a conflict situation. Participants have expressed their appreciation for this learning experience, its very participative methodology, and the expertise of the facilitators.