Gender Justice Workshop

Staff and residents had the opportunity to attend a Gender Justice workshop, which was designed and passionately facilitated by Lowenna, a resident at Harbour Housing.

The workshop has been created alongside Amnesty International, from interesting research, literature, statistics and from personal experiences. The aim is to spread awareness and provide a safe space for people from all diversities to have a voice to discuss a range of topics, in the hope of reducing the stigma that surrounds gender and sexuality, by breaking down stereotypes and educating all.

“Not even a year ago today, I was trapped in an abusive relationship and crying because I could not discuss gender justice issues or have the confidence to go outdoors. I had no certificates, and now, I have had the opportunity to design and facilitate a course, working alongside Amnesty International, with ongoing support from staff and residents at Harbour Housing.

And now, I am the one who gets to provide certificates”

 -Lowenna

Topics covered included an introduction to Primary gender justice issues, Intersectionality, and Feminist and LGBTQI+ movements.

“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” – Audre Lourde

During the two-hour workshop, attendees had the opportunity to discuss Pronouns, Misogynoir, Conversion therapy, Misogyny and Intersectionality. The topics also gave an insight into the consideration of everyday actions to move towards a world of gender justice for all.

Lowenna shared statistics that have been researched on the following:

• One study showed that homosexual teenagers are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
• Trans folk are four times more likely to experience violence than cis folk.