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Topics: young women empowerment; fighting against gender stereotyping-based discrimination.

“Knowledge gives power”. The aim of this workshop is to bring participants to be more aware of the discrimination they may face on a daily basis, in order to better combat it. Participants must be able to detect discrimination through a selection of photos depicting scenes that exacerbate stereotypes or go against them, critically reflect on their unconscious biases through artistic creation and share reflections on experiences and ideas.

By: Sabine Dunaj,
Claire Piasentin
& Clotilde Guillet.

Time: 3 hours. Creativity time depends on the group: If the group is not very inspired, which can happen with some younger groups, do not hesitate to shorten the creativity time to 1 hour for example. Conversely, it is advisable not to exceed 1h30 for the creation time, this could make the workshop too heavy and long, and damage the exchange time afterwards.

Artistic Method

A visual representation is often stronger than a thousand written words. It’s the reason why we’re using the moodboard, which is an artistic technique whose objective is the expression of an idea, an emotion, suggestions or values through a series of images, typography, colors etc. put together in harmony. We have chosen this technique because it is simple, can be done by anyone and does not require the use of very complex materials. Also, this workshop is within the reach of the youngest, even without experience in the artistic field because the participants do not start from nothing. The goal is indeed to let yourself be overwhelmed by the feeling, by the emotion aroused by the selected photos, then express it through the moodboard. The participant may first feel disoriented by the task, then he will enter the creative process. It is through this process that he gradually develops his idea, always more precisely as he progresses in his work. At the end, we propose to him to give it a name to finish the work of elaboration.

Guidelines for facilitators

This workshop sparks from the desire to create a space for young women to speak about discrimination linked to gender stereotypes. Gender stereotypes are still very present in our daily lives, and many have been integrated into our way of thinking as banal acts even though they go in the direction of discrimination between men and women. The first necessary step to fight against these stereotypes is first to become aware of them because one cannot act against what does not exist. It’s also a reason why this workshop is more designed for young women aged around between 16-30.

Required for this session

A space area, selection of photos evocative of gender stereotypes (from magazines, advertising, or internet), selection of pre-cut words (newspapers or other), magazines, A3 format drawing board, drawing materials (glue, scissors, different colored markers, colored sheets, masking tape etc.)

Preparation

Prepare two tables: on the first, place all the selection of collected photos; on the second, all the material available for the creative part, the words, the magazines and some additional photos if you have them.

Introduction
(15 min.)

Start the session by using icebreaker (in any setting, whether it is an established group but especially in groups that are confronting each other for the first time, icebreakers are crucial to setting building as they use positive emotions and non formal activities, promoting a peaceful atmosphere. They ease inhibitions and tensions between people, allowing them to feel more open and build a relationship marked by trust. They encourage everyone’s participation by pro-moving vitality and enthusiasm, and they increase communication by allowing greater exchange of information. The icebreaker also is crucial for the practitioner as it allows him or her to build trust right away. Not least, some studies show how they themselves can be learning environments) for worm up the participants and put them in confidence. Then briefly present the workshop: why we’re here? what is the goal? and how to reach it? We close the introduction setting some rules to respect for the following of the workshop: benevolence, mutual listening and respect for each other’s opinions.

Process

1. Brainstorming about gender stereotype (10 min.)

With this first step, we want to initiate a first awareness among the participants: each participant is invited to write on a post-it a few words, or simple sentences to answer what “gender stereotype” means for them? After a few minutes, everyone is invited to share their thoughts. Attention, the idea is not to have a debate, but more a mapping built from the vision of each.

2. Creating the mood board (60-90 min.)

Choice of pictures: each participant is invited to read the selection of pictures, previously placed on a table. The instruction is to take the time to look at them, to absorb them. When a picture challenges me, or inspires me, I can take it. The number is not limited.

Creation of the mood board: once the choice is made, each participants are invited to take the time to observe his photos: what do they evoke in me? An emotion, a desire, a vision? After that, participants can settle down to start their mood board from the material, photos and words made available to them. The work of developing the idea to be expressed is done as the mood board is constructed. However, we can give participants a guideline to help them:

  1. Define your vision/mood/emotion etc. You want to express.
  2. Search for the words that match your vision.
  3. Choose the color palette, materials, images, etc
  4. Assemble the mood board without sticking and find the place of each element so that it best expresses your inspiration.
  5. Paste and choose of name.

3. Presentation of the works (30 min.)

  • Each participant is invited to present own work: how was it named? Why he/she/they choose these pictures?What did he/she/they wanted to express?
  • If time permits, this moment of presentation can give way to conversation: sharing of experience, reflection, etc.
  • At this moment, you can remind the rules of mutual listening, benevolence and respect for each other’s point of view. Also, it is important to add that each work is the expression of a subjective experience and that they should not be criticized. They can only be the starting point for a new idea or reflection.

4. Assembly of all the works into one, for a global rendering
(10 min.)

  • Participants are invited, if they wish, to take a picture with all the works arranged in one. In the same way as with the brainstorming at the start, this makes it possible to carry out a sort of mapping of the artistic expressions of each about the topic. It’s a great way to end this workshop.
  • At the same time, a photo of each individual work can also be taken, always with the agreement of the participant. The participants are obviously invited to leave with their work as a remember of the reflection carried out and of the sharing experienced.

Closing remarks: When time is up move on to a conclusion, encourage all participants to provide feedback and evaluate the experience. Did the workshop meet their expectations? did he bring them anything?