Additional observations from educational activities

We continue to educate you about gender equality, which is an important step towards creating a tolerant society. As a part of lecturing, we create a safe environment in which everyone's thoughts can be heard. If inappropriate thoughts (such as a sexist comment) happen to be voiced, we use these as opportunities to open up the discussion and explain the harmfulness of these expressions.

How to work with expressed negative opinions and conflict situation?

In a methodological guide by Andrej Kuruc, who is an analyst and researcher in the field of gender equality, the best practice for pointing out expressed negative attitudes was described. First of all, it is necessary to show understanding, prejudices are often driven by basic fears and hoaxes that students can get from the media, family or peers. Labeling anyone as sexist or homophobic has the potential to escalate the situation and disrupt a safe space. Instead, it is appropriate to encourage the young person to reflect and to analyze his own opinion. It is good practice to use argumentative and more detailed questions to help the young person explore and question their perspective. Asking questions allows a young person to evaluate the basics of their attitude. Questions like "Why do you think that?", "How do you know this is true?", or "If someone disagreed with your position, what would they say?" can all be effective.

Photo from education activity in Liptovská library