30

SESSION PLAN: Men's group discussion

Scheduled time: 14:00~15:30 21 July, 2001

By Masao Koide

Objectives of the session

1) To understanding concretely of sexual harassment following Yock Ling's session.

2) To strengthen men's participation to join and/or become supportive leaders in their own movements.

3) To address the fear to join or relate to the feminism or feminist movement as male.

Materials

Large size papers and pens

Small sticker papers or tapes (for small size paper)

General Principle on the flow of the session

· Be considerate to talk about men's own feeling (include both negative and positive ones) and images on sexual harassment.

· Listening to others should be first priority. (It is to be better acceptance of one's self and others including weakness and emotions)

· It is a men-only session

· Not to point out mistakes but abilities to change.

Session plan

1. First, small ice breaking exercise in men's group. That aim is to create a space to remove the difficulties so as to communicate with each other. Also to be aware our of the communication skill and limitation. It is important to have enough time to share with men's group "how they feel". (write up on paper by each person)

2. To have reflecting time for morning session. Ask participants to pick up and write their difficulties to talk and to think about sexual harassment. After written down, to share in a group (If needed, I also ask participants to separate into small groups).

3. After sharing, I will ask them, to analyse how to link personal matter/s with social influences on those difficulties. I will make feedback on some suggestions to handle and to overcome the difficulties, especially to support and to join with feminist thinking and actions in positive ways.

4. After analyse, I like to ask them to identify where they are, what you like to be and to identify those abilities or potential as male leaders to make the movements really gender sensitive, women-friendly and support gender issues.

5. As conclusion, I'll confirm the role of "supportive leadership in movement", as those suggested by the group members with my comment.

If I find time is not enough, it is better to continue the discussion time and also more optional discussion sessions later in the schedule.