Testimonials: Gender dialogue and female-only sessions

Co-ed sessions on gender

“Incredibly well organized and was probably the most engaging session of the camp for me. I wish it could have gone on longer.” ~ Male
“Once in a lifetime experience” ~ Female
“That was something I thought I would never see happen. I really enjoyed getting answers to all those questions.” ~ Male
“I’ve never experienced something like that before and had people be so open – it was a unique experience.” ~ Female
“A good chance to ask awkward questions, I appreciate that we were given that chance, I found some interesting bits of information and understand the ‘other side’ a little more.” ~ Male
“Highly effective in increasing respect for the opposite sex.” ~ Female
“Really opened my eyes to the male perspective.” ~ Female
“Stuff I have always been curious about but never been able to ask.” ~ Male
“I’ve never experienced something like that before and had people be so open – it was a unique experience.” ~ Female
“This made the community so much closer.” ~ Female
“Amazing. Should definitely be done more often.” ~ Female
~ Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership,
Ages 14-21, Victoria co-ed session

"That genders have requirements that are ingrained at an early age - we need to stop these stererotypes."~ Female
Girls are scared about the same things in relationships that we are." ~ Male
"It's easier to talk to guys about personal stuff than I thought, and I shouldn't be embarrased." ~ Female
"I learned that both genders still have many undiscovered things to learn about each other." ~ Male
"We women don't know as much about males as we think we do. I also realized male and females have a lot in common." ~ Female
"I saw how close we can get if we trust each other." ~ Male
"I know now that not all guys only care about what a girl looks like." ~ Female
~ King George Secondary, Vancouver, Grade 10

"I think this program is long overdue. Deconstructing assumptions, beliefs, and cultural norms are precursors to action. Working with males and females in both gender specific and mixed gender groups is essential in creating positive change. There is a great potential for change when young people are given a chance to express their thoughts, beliefs, assumptions, and feelings in an environment that validates them. We need more opportunitites for this work to continue.”
~ Michaelene – Teacher, Port Alberni, B.C.

“I learned that regardless of gender we all respond to emotions, stressors, and societal expectations in much the same manner. I felt as though we are all on the verge of bridging a lots of gaps between the genders. Very exciting work. Thanks for providing tools in which we can use.”
~ Chris McDonald, Teacher, Port Alberni, B.C.

“I got to see a different side of the stereotypical guy.” ~ Female
“You don’t need to be an ‘uggghhh…’ tough guy to be a tough guy.” ~ Male
“I got more understanding of my partner and more patience with him when we talk.” ~ Female
“I got a better understanding of what ladies expect from us men.” ~ Male
“Every guy has girl or relationship problems, not just me.” ~ Male
~ Port Alberni, B.C. Grade 10

Female-only sessions on gender

“I would recommend it – it’s sorely needed and does not lend itself to the ‘victimization’ of women. Useful, necessary, realistic, practical, comfortable.”
“A better sense of what it is to be a female adolescent today, better sense of SEED women, strategies for holding power.”
“Realizing that I’m not that aware of what happens when I interact. I could probably benefit from assertiveness training.”
“My own homophobia.”
~ Female Educators – SEED Alternate Secondary School, Toronto

“It’s extremely refreshing to see a man [David] that is interested in women’s issues.”
“A guy’s point of view about girls/guys asking people out. Role-playing assertiveness – I think a lot of women need to know how to react in [those] kind of situations.”
“Got the chance to realize how silly it is to be victimized by common stereotypes. In the future I will be more honest, and refuse to allow people to put me in a box.”
“I learned more about certain people and I liked being with the teachers.’
“I was given the tools to deal with an uncomfortable situation. I got to see others’ opinions and was surprised at the variation.”
“I’m going to be assertive and I can use that in everyday life.”
“A better sense of myself.”
“Sharing the different ideas of what being a woman is all about.”
“I didn’t learn too much about myself of a women’s role in society, but I learned more about the females I am surrounded by in this school. Also felt a lot closer to teachers I’ve never spoken to.”
“To know you are not the only one with insecurities.”
~ Girls - SEED Alternate Secondary School, Grade 11 & 12, Toronto