Sex, Sexuality and Gender

Exploring sexual identity and gender
roles in society
Session objective:
Session overview:
Key message
Expected Learning
Outcomes
Session materials:
Time needed:
To introduce the concept of gender and to explore the difference between
gender and sex.
This session is a facilitator-led interactive presentation.
Sex is biological – gender is cultural
Learn about gender roles
Learn that gender roles can change and be adapted over time and due
to circumstance
Flipchart, markers,
1 hour.
Exploring sexual identity and gender roles in society:
Small group discussion (30 minutes):
• zDivide participants into groups of 4.
• zAsk 2 groups to focus on the concept of ‘masculinity’, and 2 groups to focus on the
concept of ‘femininity’.
• zThe group focusing on masculinity will answer the following
question:
• z“How does society perceive manhood and the role of men
today?” or
• z“What makes a man a man in today’s society?”
• zThe group focusing on femininity will answer the following Tips
question:
• z“How does society perceive feminity and the role of women
today?” or
• z“What makes a woman a woman in today’s society?”
• zThe workshop will assemble into their respective groups to
discuss these questions.
• zEach group will capture their discussions on a flipchart.
Reportback (60 minutes):
A representative of each group will present their discussions
to plenary.
The aim of this session is to
create a shared understanding
of the concept of sex, and
gender; and sex roles and
gender roles.
Emphasise th e concept of
men’s involvement and women’s
empowerment, and the fact that
gender roles play themselves
out in specific contexts, times
and cultures.
Ensure in your presentation
that these issues come out
clearly.
© INERELA 2012
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