Prevention and combating cyber bullying and internet violence among youth

Prevention and combating cyber bullying and internet violence among youth
– manual for youth workers –
Workshop 1: Identities – sex and gender
Duration of the workshop: 45 minutes
Materials needed: Flipchart paper, tape, and markers.
Aim
To understand the differences between sex and gender and reflect on how gender norms
influence the lives and identities of women and men.
Guide for facilitator
Note for facilitator
Before carrying out this activity, it is important that the facilitator understand the differences
between sex and gender.
Sex is biological – that is, we are born with male or female reproductive organs. Gender is how
we are socialized – that is, how attitudes, behaviour, and expectations are formed based on what
society associates with being a woman or being a man. These characteristics can be learned
from family members, friends, cultural and religious institutions, and the workplace. (CARE
International, 2011.)
Some participants might confuse gender with sexual orientation. It is important to clarify
that gender is a sociocultural construct by which certain attitudes and behaviours are assigned
to individuals based on their physical and hormonal attributes. Sexual orientation, on the other
hand, is the feeling of being able to relate romantically and sexually towards someone of the
opposite sex (heterosexual), the same sex (homosexual), or persons of both sexes (bisexual).
Independent of one’s sexual orientation, every individual is influenced by social expectations
based on their sex. (CARE International, 2016.)
During the discussion part of the workshop, facilitator should be careful not to go into extreme
positions or seem as if she/he is against women/men participating in any activity or behaviour
associated with their traditional gender roles. The discussion should move toward the
conclusion that everyone should have a real choice in life. For example, it is acceptable for a
woman to be a housewife as long as it is her choice and not something forced on to her by
gender roles, family, or society, and that she feels empowered to make decisions for herself.
Another example is that for a man it is acceptable to be a sole provider for his family, as long
as it’s his choice and choice which is considered fair both by him and his partner; and not
something that he feels obliged to do based on society rules, gender role etc. Choice is important
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