Step 5 - Raising Voices

Once everyone has had a turn, compare the two lists. Ask the group whatthis means for opportunities open to girls. Erase the titles and reverse them,writing ‘girl’ on top of the ‘boy’ list, and ‘boy’ on top of the ‘girl’ list. Couldgirls do and be these things that you have said boys can do or be? Couldboys do or be the things that you said girls can do or be?Ask the group how opportunities for girls and boys can be made more equal.What are some specific things that teachers and students can do to create afair learning environment?Possible suggestions include:• Have an equal number of girl and boy class leaders or prefects.• Give girls counselling if their parents are pressuring them to drop out orgo to school late because of chores they have to do.Boys and Girls5.5fGoal• To appreciate the advantages of being of a particular sexActivityDivide into same-sex groups. Have the boys make a list of all the goodthings they can think of about being a girl. Have the girls make the same listabout being a boy.Ask them to present their ideas to the class. The class can add anything thegroup may have forgotten, provided there is a general agreement that thesuggestion is a good one.67