Poland
participants
The goal of the activity was to address the persistent issues surrounding gender stereotypes and the ongoing lack of gender equality, which remains a problem in many societies and continues to create significant barriers to achieve equal treatment and opportunities for all people. Through this activity, ESN-EYE strives to challenge these stereotypes and promotes a broader understanding of gender equality. By breaking down these walls, we strive towards a future that is more inclusive, respectful, and understanding of diverse experiences and identities that exist within communities. This activity was a meaningful opportunity for participants to explore and engage with these important topics. It helped them become more aware of this deep-rooted problem, while also broadening their understanding of how they affect people from different backgrounds. This experience was designed to bring out many challenges that various individuals face due to gender stereotypes and discrimination. By fostering conversations and encouraging an open dialogue, we hope to inspire a greater sense of empathy and solidarity.
Stereotype-Less Convo was an event which has taken a formula inspired by a “living library” concept. We have gathered eight people, who represented different stereotypes associated with gender, like women in typically “male” professions or engaging in traditionally “male” sports, but also gender minorities such as transgender or non-binary individuals. The speakers spoke out about their thoughts and experience in such roles to a wider audience in the name of fighting prejudice and stereotypes. During the event, tea, coffee and snacks were prepared for everyone, and participants got their own reusable hot beverage mugs, in order not to use the disposable cups. In appreciation for sharing their time and valuable stories, the speakers have received gift cards to use in a book shop.
The key method that we used in the Stereotype-Less Convo were individuals acting as living testimonies of groups affected by stereotypes. Each of them had a unique background, experience, employment or view on the world. Participants had the chance to interact with the speakers, engaging in meaningful conversations and learning about the personal stories and perspectives. This approach allowed participants to gain insight into experiences of people who may be differ from them, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. Ultimately, the goal was for participants to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, leaving with a more inclusive view on gender issues and a readiness to advocate for a more just society. The project aimed to tackle how gender norms affect perception of people in the society, including typically male or female professions, or gender queerness. We conducted it in the form of a meeting for the students of our university, where small discussion circles were formed in a meeting room and participants were free to visit people whose stories seemed interesting to them.
This event was promoted on our social media, on which we have followers who are not only ESNers, but also university students, and Erasmus students. It was also promoted at Lodz University of Technology, via electronic means such as mail and Facebook page. We hope for the participants to take away knowledge that they will later spread to their colleagues at studies or at work. Because the event took place at the International Faculty of Engineering at our university, we had international students joining and we hope they will spread the insight they got to their home universities, which makes an impact of our project worldwide, since we have mobility students from every continent.
This activity is part of the project:
Inclusivity for All, Now!