As part of the Enhancing Community Resilience and Protection Project – SUMUD, a series of awareness sessions were conducted to strengthen participants’ understanding of sex and gender, while supporting their ability to recognize harmful behaviors and practices, understand their impact, and explore ways of responding to them within a safe and supportive environment.
The sessions used a variety of interactive approaches, including group activities, card-sorting exercises, open discussions, and movement-based activities designed to encourage participation. These methods helped simplify key concepts related to sex and gender and clarify the distinction between biological characteristics and the social roles and expectations shaped within communities.
The sessions also provided participants with space to express their views, share experiences, and discuss situations from everyday life. Through examples, stories, and group discussions, participants explored different forms of harmful behavior, including psychological, social, economic, and digital aspects, while focusing on how to recognize them and understand their impact.
Active participation was an important part of the sessions. Participants showed clear interest in the topics discussed and engaged in activities, questions, information-sorting exercises, and discussions that connected the concepts to their daily experiences. The respectful and interactive environment also encouraged open expression and the exchange of experiences.
The sessions concluded by emphasizing the importance of awareness and protection, encouraging participants to seek support when needed, and providing relevant materials and information. These activities form part of SUMUD’s efforts to create safe spaces for learning and dialogue while strengthening knowledge and the capacity to address social issues affecting women and communities.