The Training of Trainers Manual - UNFPA

Ask each group to write on the flip chart paper synonyms (similar terms) used in
their community for each term they have chosen or been assigned. Post the lists
on the wall for others to see and ask the group to answer the following questions:
■ Which synonyms are most acceptable for public use and which are
considered unacceptable
■ Which words do young people use most when they talk amongst
themselves
■ Which words do young people use most when talking with their parents and
other adults
■ Which words have negative meanings for women or men
■ Do you think that the negative words can be harmful when they are used to
embarrass or insult people If so, why do we use them
■ Why do people use words that are not respectful of women and men
Closure
Point out that it is important to talk to adolescents in their own language – or
at least allow them to use the words that they know best so that they feel
comfortable in talking about sex and its consequences.
Emphasize that we must adjust our use of language to our audience; this means
we may use certain words with our friends and other words with adults, such as
parents and teachers.
Explain that to be able to talk about sexuality, we need to overcome our own
sensitivity to using sexually explicit words. If we cannot communicate clearly
to other people what we like and do not like, what we want and do not want,
misunderstandings will occur.
Tell the participants that we need to be able to say words that clearly refer to
sex and sexuality when we want to ask for help – for example, when visiting
a health worker.
Stress that disrespectful words can be harmful. For example, in many places,
there are lots of negative words for women who have sex outside marriage (e.g.,
slut, whore), while the words for men who have sex outside marriage or with
many partners (e.g., real man, stud) are viewed as positive. This use of language
reinforces double standards and inequality between men and women.
Also point out any words on the list that are violent in nature (e.g., bat, gun,
spear) and explain how using such words can contribute to ideas that violence in
sex is permissible.
60 Training of Trainers Manual