Workshop Title:
“Gender-Based Violence: Understanding, Addressing, and Preventing GBV”
Presented by:
Mr. Hassan Waisy Asmar Mezori / Dep. of Social Works/ Collage of Arts
Date and Duration: 10/2/2025 (2 Hours)
Place: Collage of Arts / Farhadi Hall
Related SDGs:
Goals: NO.5 - GENDER EQUALITY
Abstract:
This extraordinary two-hour workshop on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is designed to shock, engage, and inspire action. It begins with a powerful, eye-opening activity called “What If It Were You?”—forcing the audience to step into the fear and helplessness of GBV victims. A shocking short video follows, setting the stage for the harsh reality of gender-based violence. The audience is then asked a simple but haunting question: “Why does this still happen today?”
The first part of the workshop dives deep into understanding GBV—breaking down its types (physical, emotional, economic, and sexual) and exposing the Circle of Violence, which explains how violence is learned, normalized, and repeated. The audience will hear real-life stories and shocking statistics that prove GBV is everywhere, even in places they least expect. Then comes the Privilege Walk Activity, a powerful visual experience that reveals how deeply gender inequalities are embedded in our daily lives. In the second section, we explore the devastating impact of GBV—how it destroys lives, isolates victims, and shapes future violence. We introduce the Empty Space Theory, which explains how neglected children often grow into violent adults, filling the void in their lives with destructive behaviors. The workshop then shifts to toxic masculinity and its role in GBV, using insights from The Mask You Live In documentary. This section leaves a deep emotional impact, making it clear that GBV is not just a problem—it is a crisis.
Moving into solutions, the third section focuses on prevention and action. The audience learns the power of self-worth and inclusion, breaking the cycle of violence by fostering love, respect, and positive role models. A dynamic “If You See It, Stop It” activity trains participants to react when witnessing GBV in real life. They also engage in the GBV in the Headlines Activity, analyzing how the media reports violence and how that shapes public perception. To make prevention more practical, the Role-Playing Scenarios give the audience real-life situations where they must challenge and stop GBV in different contexts. As the workshop reaches its final, most impactful moments, the audience is left with one final challenge: “Will you be silent, or will you be part of the change?” The Killer Closing Statement drives the message home: “Violence is taught. That means it can be unlearned.” The workshop ends not just with words but with a call to action that will stay in their minds forever.