Section 2: Participatory Activities

Activity Set #1: Gender in Community Development

This set of activities focuses on the concept of community development and the importance of incorporating gender and participatory techniques into the planning and implementation of community development projects. Sub-activities include:

Sub-Activity #1.1: Community Development and Gender
Sub-Activity #1.2: Types and Levels of Participation
Sub-Activity #1.3: House Construction Game

Sub-Activity #1.1: Community Development and Gender

OBJECTIVES
Participants will be able to define community development and explain the importance of incorporating gender into community development activities.

KEY QUESTIONS
What is meant by community development? Why is it important to incorporate gender into community development activities?

TIME
2 ½ - 3 hours

METHODOLOGY
Brainstorming, small group picture drawing and discussion, presentations in plenary

MATERIALS
Newsprint, markers, masking tape, pencils and coloured pens, Reference #1: Concept of Community Development, Reference #2: Importance of Participation of Both Men and Women

PREPARATION
Assemble materials. On newsprint, list questions to guide group discussions in step #6.

STEPS

1. Brainstorm with participants the meaning of community development. As participants respond, record points on newsprint or the board.
2. Relate points made by participants to the definition of community development found in “key concepts,” and in Reference #1: Concept of Community Development
3. Divide participants into small groups of five or six.
4. Each group is to draw a before and after picture of a community development project that has changed their community. The group should be prepared to explain what change was made, why it was made, when and how it was made, and how the community views the change. (If the group cannot think of an actual example of change, it should draw a picture of a change it would like to see take place.)
5. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the groups to complete their drawings. Then assemble in plenary and have each group present and explain its before and after picture.
6. Re-form the small groups, and ask each group to discuss the following questions:
   • Why is it important for a community development project to include both men and women?
   • What happens if women are excluded?
   • What happens if a project focuses only on women?
   • If possible, think of some examples from your community.
7. Allow about 30 minutes for group discussions. Then assemble in plenary and have each group present the highlights of its discussion. Encourage participants to ask questions.
8. Highlight that community development is not sustainable without the participation of men and women in the development process.

CLOSURE

Repeat the key questions. Ask participants if the activity has enabled them to answer these. If necessary, clarify items.

Tips for Facilitators The facilitator can find additional reference materials in the Gender and Development module. The facilitator should emphasize the importance of the participation of both men and women, including disadvantaged men and women, in the development process. See Reference #2: Importance of Participation of Both Men and Women for examples of why participation is important.

Sub-Activity #1.2: Types and Levels of Participation

OBJECTIVES
Participants will be able to describe different types of participation, and explain the importance of participation.

KEY QUESTIONS
In what ways can men and women participate in the project cycle? Why is it important for men and women to participate?

TIME
1 hour

METHODOLOGY
Brainstorming, open discussion and explanation.

MATERIALS
Newsprint, markers, masking tape, Reference #3: Types and Levels of Participation

PREPARATION
Prepare flipchart showing levels of participation from Reference #3.

STEPS

1. Indicate to participants that we often use the word “participation” as though there were only one type or level of participation. But, there can be many types of participation, and many different points in the project cycle in which people can participate. Ask participants to brainstorm different types and levels of participation. As participants respond, write main points on newsprint. Relate these points to the points outlined in Reference #3.
2. Divide participants into groups of five or six people. Each group is to consider the following questions and be prepared to present their conclusions in plenary. Your organization wishes to develop and implement a community development project aimed at decreasing violence against women.
   • What groups or stakeholders in the community would you involve in planning and implementing this project.
   • What type of involvement would you seek, and why?
3. Allow about 30 minutes for group work, then assemble in plenary and have each group present their conclusions. On newsprint, record the types of participation identified by the groups.
4. Highlight to participants that there are different kinds of participation, and different levels of participation. While all types of participation are valuable, some types are more important than others (e.g., active participation, participation in decision-making). Note the importance of the active participation of women and men in planning, implementing and monitoring community development projects.

CLOSURE
Repeat the key questions. Ask participants if the activity has enabled them to answer these. If necessary, clarify items.

Tips for Facilitators The facilitator can find additional reference materials in the Gender and Development module. The facilitator should emphasize that there are many types and levels of participation, and should again highlight the importance of the participation of both men and women, including disadvantaged men and women, in the development process.

Sub-Activity #1.3: House Construction Game

OBJECTIVES
Participants will deepen their understanding of the importance of participation.

KEY QUESTION Why is it important for men and women to participate?

TIME
2 hours

METHODOLOGY
Group activity, reflection and open discussion

MATERIALS
Newsprint, markers, masking tape, items for house construction game Reference #4: House Construction Game

PREPARATION
Prepare items for house construction game, e.g., rope, bamboo, masking tape, large paper, newsprint or other material to be used as a tarpaulin, tent or house covering, price lists, etc. (see Reference #4)

STEPS

1. Organize participants for the house building game. Instructions for the game are presented in Reference #4: House Construction Game.
2. After the game is complete, lead a discussion by asking the following questions:
   • This game was about “participation.” Ask participants to reflect for a moment on how they felt about their own participation, and the participation of others in the house building exercise. Then ask them to share their feelings.
   • Which group was able to build the strongest and most beautiful house in the shortest time period?
   • Why was that group more successful than the other groups?
   • Question for the Observer: In which group or groups did you see active partic ipation while constructing the house?
   • How did you feel when the house you built was destroyed?
   • How can this situation be related to the participation of community members in planning and implementing a project? Are there any lessons we can learn from this exercise? (Facilitator should note these on newsprint.)
3. Note the importance of a) the commitment of participants to the activity, and b) the active participation of women and men in planning, implementing and monitoring community development projects.

CLOSURE
Repeat the key question. Ask participants if the activity helped them to answer it. If necessary, clarify items.

Tips for Facilitators This game requires considerable advance preparation, and space. If space permits, it can be conducted out of doors. The facilitator must take sufficient care to protect exchange items so that participants are not concerned about loosing these. This game should not be played if there is any danger that exchange items will not be returned to the contributing participants.

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