Discuss what can’t be discussed!

Duration: 7 days

Recommended language level: A1 and above

BACKGROUND

Many of us learned in high school biology that sex chromosomes determine a baby’s sex. Full stop. XX means a girl, XY means a boy. But XX and XY don’t tell the whole story…
Gender is an issue all over the world. How do we react to people who are different from us in ways society considers unique and fixed? How do we live in a society that ostensibly tolerates sexual diversity but does not wholly embrace it? How do we respond to definitions of gender that go beyond a binary understanding?

AIMS AND ACTIVITIES

The Gender Equality Academy aims to:

-Analyse gender from a scientific perspective.
-Explore gender differences, heteronormativity and our feelings/believes around it.
-Talk about queer theory and breaking norms.
-Reflect on how these ideas can be implemented in our lives.
-Analyse mechanisms that lead to discrimination and how they can be changed.

During the Gender Equality Academy we will reflect on:

-The concept of gender.
-Sexual identity.
-Gender socialisation.
-Power relations based on gender.
-Gender discrimination and how to challenge it.

The programme will include options for other recreational and cultural activities, for example: sightseeing trips to nearby cities, hiking, visits to Adventure Parks, swimming in natural river pools and canoeing.

In addition, each morning there will be a language workshop, focusing on vocabulary linked to the theme of the day, with the aim of facilitating communication and participation.

OUTCOMES

Young people will gain an understanding of gender from a scientific, social and emotional perspective. They will be given space to reflect on gender social construction, the understanding of gender in different countries and their own personal beliefs and opinions.

Young people will gain new and/or improved knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

-Concept of gender. -Concept of homosexuality, transsexuality, asexuality, etc.
-Science versus gender identity. -How discrimination operates.
-Power structures based on gender construction.

Skills

-Ability to communicate feeling and opinions.
-Greater resilience in the face of discrimination and harassment.
-Ability to construct an argument and cope with criticism.
-Public speaking skills.
-Ability to follow an idea from inception into action.
-Better communication skills in English/Spanish.

Attitudes

-Empathy. -More open minded and tolerant.
-Active and willing to participate.
-Respect for other peoples´ opinions.
-Willingness to change and to contribute.