What is gender-based violence?
We now understand that gender norms and gender stereotypes are created by our societies. They may lead to unequal treatment, discrimination, and violence. Violence is when someone uses force, power, or threats to hurt themselves, another person, or a group. It can cause physical injury, emotional harm, or take away someone’s safety and rights. Gender-based violence is violence that is committed against a person or a group on the basis of their gender. It can be based on gender roles, expectations, or limitations, and it includes harm that results from power inequities based on gender roles.
Challenging gender stereotypes
We are going to learn about stereotypes that are often attached to boys and girls, and how these affect us.
What’s the difference between sex and gender?
We are going to talk about sex and gender, and how gender affects us. Let’s first understand the difference between sex and gender. Sex is about the biology of being male or female. It is based on the biological differences between men and women. Sex is also short for sexual intercourse. Gender is what it means to be male or female in a specific society. Now, let’s review these differences:
Sexuality, faith and culture
People often use their religious beliefs, family traditions, or cultural beliefs to help them make important decisions, including decisions about relationships and sex. People have different beliefs and values, and that’s okay. What matters is making informed choices for yourself while respecting others.
Unpacking sexuality
Sexuality is a term that includes many different things. Sexuality is not just about who you have sex with, or how often you have sex. Sexuality is about your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviours towards other people. It is diverse and personal.
Understanding sexuality is important because it helps us to have healthy relationships. Sexuality is with us throughout our whole life, showing up in different ways depending on our life stage. Some people may choose not to express their sexuality, and some people may feel pressure to hide their sexuality due to discrimination.