During the days from the 3rd to the 10th of June 30 participants had the opportunity to visit Morfasso, Ostello del Monastero. We gathered here in order to take part in a Youth Exchange named ‘Gender Bias: Which Is My Role?’.
The project focused on gender stereotypes, inclusion, diversity. The topics where also connected with sexual assault, harrasement and discrimination. With the help of our Facilitators Sara, Aurora and Paola, who guided us through the subject, we used non-formal education techniques such as World Cafe, video making, forum theatre, debates and using creative crafts we dived deeperinto the topic.
We started our mobility with ‘get to know each-other’ activities which helped us to bond a lot, so as to work better as a group. The energizers worked as gradual transitions from free reflection time to focusing on specific topics.
We were introduced to the idea of gender bias as a widespread social issue based on stereotypes and discrimination. We began with getting familiar with concepts of LGBTQIAP+ community, gender inequalities and stereotypes as well as human rights. Some of our outcomes were realising the differences between gender identity and sexual orientation along with sexual and romantic attraction and gender expression.
We left the theory behind and focused on real-life examples that we observed on social media and our surroundings. Using forum theatre techniques gave us an opportunity to illustrate the issues based on our own experiences and learn how to intervene, with the help of specific tools such as the 5Ds Method.
During the activity we realised how complex the problem of gender biases is and in order to be a part of the positive change and make our own contribution we left resources that we produced for future participants.
Not only did we dive into the topic of gender biases, but also sharpened our team working abilities, improved our language skills, connected with people, learned about different cultures, gained new perspectives and made unforgettable memories.
Additionally, we had an opportunity to sightsee Castell’ Arquato together and blend with the locals.
To sum up, throughout the project we all gained valuable knowledge, experience and values that helped us grow as people while raising awareness in our communities.
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Writtent by participants of the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Gender Bias: Which Is My Role?”. Funded by the European Union. The opinions and views expressed are, however, the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA is responsible for them.
