What is HIV and AIDS?

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Time Activity
Section 5: Stigma and Discrimination
Activity 5.3: Discrimination Circle
Activity Outline
Objective: This activity should:
(i) Allow participants to feel what it is to be stigmatised and to stigmatise
others.
(ii) Remind participants that we have all been stigmatised at some point in our
lives and that it is important to support each other.
Duration/Timing: 30 minutes
Materials/Resources: Large open space for people to move around freely.
1. Stand in a circle.
2. Ask people to stand in the middle of the circle if they have ever been
discriminated against because….(e.g. you are short, you are young, you
are from another province, you are a woman etc). The facilitator can also
take part in the game. Tell people they do not have to go in the middle if
they feel uncomfortable, they can just keep quiet.
3. Those in the middle who have felt they have been discriminated against
look around at each other and then shake hands or hug. Remember you
are not alone.
4. Ask people to think individually if they have ever discriminated against
someone for this reason and why. Do not have to share their thoughts
with the rest of the group.
5. Repeat, calling out different ways in which someone might be
discriminated against. Ask participants for their input too. Reassure
people they do not have to go into the middle if they do not want to.
6. Discuss with the group how it feels to be discriminated against. Ask
people how they felt in the game.
7. Ask: “what did people learn from the game?”
(Source: “Feel! Think! Act! A guide to interactive drama for sexual and reproductive health”,
International HIV/AIDS Alliance, 2008)
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