MOSAIC - The training kit for Euro-Mediterranean youth work

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If the participants are not already aware of it, use the brief information on women’s
rights at the end of this activity to close the session and provide some indication of
the progress that has been made in recognising the rights of women internationally.
Participants may wish to explore the commitments made by their own governments
and compare this with the situation on the ground.
Variations
You may wish to use different variations to explore the group’s perceptions about
Their own gender
The opposite gender
For example, by creating single-sex groups or asking everyone to work first on the
image of a woman, then of a man. You may also want to ask groups to come up with
their own lists of qualities rather than those you have provided.
Ideas for action
Try to contact local organisations working on gender issues and invite a representative
to come and talk to the group. Encourage the group to prepare questions beforehand.
Suggestions for follow-up
Make a list of the ways that members of the group feel under pressure to conform to
particular stereotypes or prejudices, and the behaviours or attitudes that put them under
pressure. Draw up an action plan with the group to reduce or eliminate this behaviour.
Further information
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),
adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of
rights for women. It consists of a preamble and 30 articles and has been adopted by over 90%
of the member states of the United Nations.
CEDAW defines discrimination against women as “any distinction, exclusion or restriction made
on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition,
enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of
men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social,
cultural, civil or any other field.”
By accepting the convention, states commit themselves to undertake a series of measures to
end discrimination against women in all forms, including:
to incorporate the principle of equality of men and women into their legal system, abolish
all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against
women;
to establish tribunals and other public institutions to ensure the effective protection of
women against discrimination; and
to ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organisations
or enterprises.
Source: www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/index.html.
Ideal woman – Ideal man