The Training of Trainers Manual - UNFPA

Ensure that both columns include positive and negative words or phrases. Also,
add biological characteristics (such as women have vaginas, men can grow beards,
men have penises, women can breastfeed, men experience wet dreams, etc.) if
none are suggested by the participants.
Now reverse the headings of the first and third columns by writing ‘man’ above
the first column and ‘woman’ above the third column. Working down the list,
ask the participants whether men can exhibit the characteristics and behaviours
attributed to women and vice versa. Place those attributes usually not considered
interchangeable into the middle column, and label this column ‘sex’.
To save time, it is not necessary to discuss each term separately. However, make
sure that all the words in the ‘sex’ column are discussed.
Expect participants to debate the meanings of some words – one of the goals
of this exercise is to demonstrate that people assign different meanings to most
characteristics that are gender-based.
Be prepared to handle discussions about different types of sexuality. It can
be useful to distinguish ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘sexual identity’ from gender. If
necessary, provide simple definitions for ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘sexual identity’
on a flip chart or an overhead transparency. Point out that no matter what
individuals’ sexual orientation or identity is, everyone is influenced by social
expectations regarding their behaviour and roles according to their biological sex.
Explain that sex has to do with biological and genetic matters, whereas gender
refers to socially constructed roles, responsibilities, and expectations of males
and females in a given culture or society. These roles, responsibilities, and
expectations are learned from family, friends, communities, opinion leaders,
religious institutions, schools, the workplace, advertising, and media. They are also
influenced by custom, law, class, ethnicity and individual or institutional bias. The
definitions of what it means to be female or male are learned, vary among cultures,
and change over time.
Point out that many people confuse sex with gender or vice versa. The word
‘gender’ is also often used inappropriately instead of ‘sex’ (for example, when
people are asked their gender instead of their sex on application forms).
68 Training of Trainers Manual