Training "Gender Equality"
Gender – differences in the behavior of men and women and their roles in society.
Gender equality – equal opportunities for men and women to achieve their potential in society.
Objective
Introduce participants to the concepts of gender relations in society, break down barriers of traditional perceptions about social-psychological characteristics and roles of men and women, and foster an understanding of gender socialization.
Exercise: "Self-Presentation: Who Am I?"
Objective: Encourage self-discovery and group introductions.
Participants must answer the question "Who am I?" using 10 words or sentences. There are no correct answers—participants should write the first thoughts that come to mind. Ideally, this should be done individually. Afterwards, participants discuss their answers in a group.
Exercise: "What I Can, Know, and Do"
Objective: Help participants recognize their individuality.
Participants share three qualities they believe distinguish them from others.
Exercise: "The Magic Shop"
Objective: Increase self-awareness of personal qualities.
Participants imagine a shop selling unique “items” such as patience, empathy, humor, sensitivity, trust, altruism, tolerance, self-control, kindness, or curiosity.
The facilitator acts as the shopkeeper, trading qualities with participants. For example, a participant might request "patience." The shopkeeper asks how much patience they need, why they want it, and in what situations it would help. In exchange, the participant offers an abundant trait, such as humor. This encourages reflection on personal strengths and areas for growth.
Exercise: "Compliments"
Objective: Boost group morale and self-esteem.
The facilitator tosses a ball to a participant, giving them a compliment such as, “Dima, you’re a fair person,” or “Katya, your hairstyle is amazing.” The recipient then tosses the ball to another participant and gives them a compliment. This continues until everyone has received a compliment.
Exercise: "Change Places"
Objective: Increase participant interaction and build connections.
Participants sit in a circle, and one person stands in the middle, saying: “Change places if you can fry an egg.” Those who can fry an egg switch seats. The person left standing becomes the new caller.
Exercise: "The Ideal Man/Woman"
Participants split into two groups—boys and girls. A representative from each group receives a list of traits they believe define:
- Group 1: "The Ideal Man"
- Group 2: "The Ideal Woman"
Energy, determination, kindness, assertiveness, sociability, flexibility, attractiveness, knowledgeability, politeness, modesty, leadership, financial success, independence, good taste, willpower, responsibility.
Each group presents their list, and common traits are highlighted.
Conclusion: We are different, but we share much in common.
Exercise: "Defining Gender"
Gender is a set of cultural characteristics that define the social behavior and interactions of men and women. The term was introduced by psychoanalyst Robert Stoller in 1958 to highlight the dual nature of gender as both a biological and sociocultural phenomenon.
Gender-related personality traits often stem from social contexts rather than biology, emphasizing that roles like motherhood/fatherhood or professional/domestic activities arise from societal interactions, not inherent biological differences.
Exercise: "Gender Stereotypes"
Participants sort items (e.g., car keys, baby clothes, trash bags, ladles, fashion magazines, wallets, mirrors) into "male" or "female" categories based on societal stereotypes.
Exercise: "Facts and Evidence"
Participants discuss surprising facts about gender roles:
- A Swiss study found that 428 women and 735 men checked their reflection in a supermarket mirror.
- In our country, only 3% of men take parental leave, despite having the legal right.
- Women are statistically safer drivers, yet men dominate the driving profession.
- Most high-end restaurant chefs are men, but most home cooking is done by women.
- Teaching was historically a male-dominated profession; now, most teachers are women.
Participants brainstorm areas where society expects different behavior from men and women.
The facilitator guides discussion, emphasizing double standards and societal control over women’s behavior compared to men’s. Participants analyze “male privileges” and how societal expectations influence behavior.
Exercise: "The Cost of Stereotypes"
Participants analyze the stereotype: “Men are providers, and women are homemakers.”
Ideas are recorded on a board:
- For men: Stress-related health issues, emotional suppression.
- For women: Limited career opportunities and personal growth.
Exercise: "Roleplay"
Objective: Foster critical thinking about gendered behavior in different situations.
Participants role-play scenarios:
- A man explaining infidelity to a woman and vice versa.
- A man and a woman arriving as guests.
- A newlywed couple dividing household chores.
- How did society judge the situation?
- Who faced more criticism—man or woman?
- Did stereotypes influence the participants' views?
- “Should we abandon gender stereotypes?”
- “Examples of gendered behavior in real life.”
- “What roles do media assign to men and women?”
- Men are often depicted as professional achievers, while women are shown in family and caregiving roles.
- “How much do parents influence gender socialization?”
Appendix: Gender Equality as a Human Rights Principle
The principle of equality between women and men, along with the prohibition of discrimination, is fundamental to international human rights law.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
- Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
- Article 2: Everyone is entitled to all rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, such as race, sex, language, religion, or other status.
Adopted by the UN in 1979, CEDAW addresses systemic discrimination against women. It defines discrimination as:
"Any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of sex that impairs or nullifies the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise of women’s rights on a basis of equality with men." (Article 1)
Gender equality means equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for all genders. It ensures that the needs and priorities of all groups are considered equally while recognizing diversity.