Facebook Instagram Linkedin
Course Content
CHAPTER 1: Fighting against gender discrimination in the European union and the principles of an equal opportunity policy for men and women
💡 Guiding Questions: What does the term gender mean? What are gender stereotypes and why should they be avoided? How does stereotypical thinking influence unequal treatment of women and gender discrimination? What different forms can discrimination take?
0/6
📖 Part 1: Unequal treatment and grounds for gender discrimination
📖 Part 2: 3 stages of change
📖 Part 3: Unfreezing change – data on the situation of women in Europe
🤔 TASK FOR YOU
💡 Inspiration for you
📚 Resources
CHAPTER 2: Advocacy as a tool for bringing about systemic change in gender equality policies
💡 Guiding Questions: ● What is advocacy? ● What is important for effective advocacy? ● What steps do you need to take to organise an advocacy campaign for the change you want to bring about?
0/8
📖 Part 1: Understanding advocacy
📖 Part 2: Engaging stakeholders and decision-makers
📖 Part 3: Getting allies for your cause
📖 Part 4: Main Advocacy Tools
📖 Part 5: Evaluation
🤔 TASK FOR YOU
💡 Inspiration for you
📚 Resources
CHAPTER 3: Freezing social change and the role of leadership in this process
💡 Guiding Questions: ● How do people react to change? ● How to deal with the resistance you are likely to encounter when advocating for gender equality?
0/5
📖 Part 1: Challenges of changing beliefs about women and men and implementing gender
📖 Part 2: The role of women leaders in implementing change for gender equality
🤔 TASK FOR YOU
💡 Inspiration for you
📚 Resources
QUIZ
0/1
QUIZ
Women in local activism. Building local influence and social advocacy.

In this chapter, you will learn the answer to the question:

  • What are the possibilities for direct responses to gender discrimination and inequality in such a way as to strengthen the position of women as witnesses to discrimination or micro-inequalities and as victims of gender discrimination or micro-inequalities?

Freezing change is a process during which people, especially those in the resistance phase, may undermine the idea of equality by engaging in unequal behaviour. Your behaviour in building equal attitudes and thus freezing change is crucial in such situations.

Responding to unequal treatment or discrimination requires courage, empathy, and attentiveness. It is easier to respond as a witness than when the situation concerns us directly. That is why the role of a witness is so important – respond when someone uses gender stereotypes, undermines the role of women, or treats women and men unequally.

As a woman, even if these behaviours are not directed at you, they still affect you. By responding, you become a self-advocate – you express your needs and views and defend your rights, while supporting other women.

Our reaction matters – we shape the attitudes of people who unconsciously perpetuate stereotypes and send a clear message to those who do so deliberately that we are strong and do not accept inequality.

Here are some key steps to help you respond appropriately, both as a direct victim and as a witness:

  • Stay calm, but don’t be passive

If you are a witness: respond – silence is consent.

If you are a woman experiencing discrimination: ensure your safety and consider whether you can respond directly or whether it would be better to seek support.

 

  • Show that you do not agree with such behaviour

Distance yourself from the statement:

‘I don’t agree with that.’

‘I don’t think that’s right.’

  • Education and conversation (if there is space)

If the situation allows, talk to the person who committed the discrimination – not everyone is aware that they are hurting someone.

Ask questions:

‘What do you mean?’

‘Do you realise that this could be offensive?’

 

  • Name what is happening

Use simple, clear words:

‘What you said/did is hurtful and discriminatory.’

‘That is sexist/racist/homophobic.’

 

  • Support the person experiencing discrimination

Address them directly:

‘How are you?’

‘I’m on your side.’

‘Do you want me to do anything?’

 

  • Document the incident if possible

Write down the place, time, content of the statement or action. Take a note or a photo (if safe) to support your report.

 

  • Report discrimination

At work – to your supervisor, HR department, trade union. At school – to a teacher, counsellor, head teacher. In public spaces – to institutions (e.g., the Ombudsman, anti-discrimination organisations, the police if it involves violence).

 

  • Take care of yourself and others !!

Experiencing discrimination can be very stressful – seek emotional or psychological support.

 

Your interventions will reinforce equal behaviour and reduce tolerance for discriminatory behaviour!

Previous
Next