Description
The project deals with the perception of cultural patterns of masculinity and its impact on discriminatory and violent behaviours. Under the project, a group of people will be trained to conduct local educational activities in this field, psycho-educational workshops will be organised using an innovative method of Forum Theatre, and useful tools will be developed. The project will refer to similar activities previously implemented by partner organisations and to developed materials; we will cooperate with other similar initiatives (e.g. Voices against Violence). Project activities will be addressed to communities in different cities (Lublin, Kraków, Poznań). Partner organisation would support the lider with educational materials, compilation of the workshops agenda and leading a part of the workshop, sharing a movie that is to be shown during workshops and cooperation in organising a local Krakow event.
Summary of project results
"Popular culture serves to create a masculinity model wherein violence is an acceptable component rather than a negative phenomenon. A 2005 school textbook study proved that educational materials contain descriptions of a very strong gender-related role assignment. The “Great Absent One"" report (Ant-Discrimination Education Association, 2011) shows that Family Life Education class textbooks contain as many as 99 examples of stereotype female and male descriptions. While numerous women-targeting initiatives are under development in Poland, the country has a shortage of initiatives focusing on male roles and their impact on preventing discrimination and violence against women. The project purpose was to engage men in preventing discrimination and violence through educational and theatre activities. Their purpose was to deconstruct culture-based gender stereotypes. The project allowed 358 persons to comprehend gender-related influence on acts of discrimination and violence. Twelve persons engaged in work to activate men to fight gender-based discrimination and violence. It also allowed the promotion of the Forum Theatre method as a tool of debate and activation in preventing violence. A screenplay was written for the “Tough Guise on Stage"" performance, followed by a script for a men's workshop and a project-summarising publication. Six Forum Theatre performances were shown in Warsaw, Cracow, Poznań, and Bielsko-Biała (235 persons attending); 4 screenings of the “Tough Guy's Mask"" film were shown to a total audience of 71. Forty persons participated in workshops focusing on activating men to fight gender-based discrimination and violence. Twelve persons were empowered in the course of a meeting for activists engaging in the activation of men. Project beneficiaries included persons acting to prevent discrimination and violence, social activists, humanist sciences students, people interested in the Forum Theatre, and pedagogues (over 350 recipients in total). The Autonomy Foundation was the project partner, providing assistance in the organisation of training courses, shows, and performances, and supporting the endeavour with access to educational materials and the “Tough Guise"" film."
Summary of bilateral results