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Depending on the background of training participants, the trainer might want to facilitate a discussion on the concepts of sex, gender and gender inequality, in order to enable a more in-depth understanding of the issue of gender-based violence. Given the fact that the participants might have different ideas about the roles of women and men, it might be good to lead the discussion to the positive influences of gender equality on the health and the future of the society. 

Sex versus Gender

In order to be able to incorporate a gender perspective into health-care and its responses to gender-based violence, it is critical to understand the meaning of gender as opposed to sex.

• Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women (WHO). At the same time, it may not always be possible to define sex along the dichotomous lines of male-female only, as is made evident by inter-sexed individuals (MWIA 2002).
• Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women (WHO). While sex and its associated biological functions are programmed genetically, gender roles and power relations and the power relations they reflect are a social construct – they vary across cultures and through time, and thus are amenable to change. (MWIA 2002)
• Gender roles are the particular economic, social roles and responsibilities considered appropriate for women and men in a given society. Gender roles and characteristics do not exist in isolation, but are defined in relation to one another and through the relationship between women and men, girls and boys (MWIA 2002). <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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