Trainings on Gender, Sexuality, and the Body: A Toolkit for Trainers in Arabic-Speaking Countries

Trainings on Gender, Sexuality, and the Body: A Toolkit for Trainers in Arabic-Speaking Countries  
CTDC Toolkit – December 2018

The CTDC Toolkit for Trainers in Arabic-Speaking Countries, titled “Trainings on Gender, Sexuality, and the Body”, is a comprehensive resource developed by the Centre for Transnational Development and Collaboration (CTDC). Published in 2018, this toolkit aims to provide educators and trainers with guidance on conducting gender and sexuality trainings within Arabic-speaking contexts.

🔍 Purpose and Context

The toolkit addresses the need for culturally sensitive and context-specific approaches to gender and sexuality education in Arabic-speaking countries. It critiques the limitations of traditional frameworks like SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) and proposes alternative methodologies that resonate more effectively with local audiences.

🧩 Structure and Content

The toolkit is divided into two main sections:

Content Guidance:
This section provides foundational knowledge and concepts essential for gender and sexuality trainings. It covers topics such as:

• Basic Terminology: Clarifying terms like sex, gender, patriarchy, feminism, masculinity, femininity, and intersectionality.
• Cultural Dynamics: Understanding culture as a dynamic and changing construct, and how colonial legacies have influenced gender norms.
• Linking Feminism to Other Struggles: Connecting gender issues to broader social justice movements.
• Decolonising Minds: Challenging Western-centric narratives and promoting indigenous knowledge systems.
• Politicisation of Gender and Sexuality: Analysing how gender and sexuality are used in political discourses and state agendas.

Practical Tips and Checklists:
This section offers strategies for effective training delivery, including:

• Learning Basics: Understanding adult learning principles and creating inclusive learning environments.
• Learning Strategies: Employing participatory methods, storytelling, and experiential learning to engage participants.

🌟 Key Contributions

• SPGP Framework: The toolkit introduces the SPGP (Sexual Practice and Gender Performance) framework as an alternative to SOGI. This approach emphasises behaviours and performances over fixed identities, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of gender and sexuality that aligns with local contexts.
• Intersectional Approach: By considering factors like class, race, and nationality, the toolkit promotes an intersectional perspective that acknowledges the complexity of individual experiences.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The content is tailored to address the specific challenges and sensitivities present in Arabic-speaking societies, making it a valuable resource for trainers operating in these regions.

⚠️ Considerations

• Implementation Support: Trainers may require additional support or facilitation to effectively implement the toolkit's methodologies, especially if they are new to intersectional or decolonial frameworks.
• Adaptability: While the toolkit provides a solid foundation, trainers should adapt the content to suit the specific cultural and social dynamics of their target audiences.

✅ The CTDC Toolkit for Trainers in Arabic-Speaking Countries is a pioneering resource that offers a culturally attuned and theoretically robust approach to gender and sexuality education. Its emphasis on intersectionality, decolonisation, and practical engagement makes it an essential tool for educators seeking to foster inclusive and transformative learning experiences in the MENA region.

👉 Access the full toolkit here and start reshaping how gender and sexuality are taught across the region.