1. What is IMAGINE?

The IMAGINE-project started as a cooperative project between MÄN (Sweden), The Good Lad Initiative (UK) and Emancipator (the Netherlands). These partner organisations are also part of a larger social movement: the global MenEngage network with more than 600 organisations.
Between 2016 and 2018, IMAGINE workshops on gender stereotypes, intimacy and setting boundaries, intimidation and (sexual) violence have been organised for many young people in three European countries. This resulted in a toolkit to work with boys and young men to prevent (sexual) harassment and violence against girls and women.

As from 2019, the project is being continued in the Netherlands by Emancipator. They organise IMAGINE-workshops at schools, within youth work, at sports clubs, community centres and other organisations.

2. For whom?

Many organisations are organising activities such as empowerment training for girls and women. But what to do with boys and (young) men? In order to combat and prevent forms of (sexual) violence, IMAGINE focusses on this group and tries to engage them.

From experience we now know that IMAGINE workshops also work positively within mixed groups. We do this in an interactive and accessible way. In addition to being able to customise the workshop, we also build on current events and adjust to what’s going on within a group.

We offer IMAGINE workshops to boys and (young) men, mixed groups, classes and students in the age of 12 to 30 years, and to teams of professionals.

3. Why focus on boys and men?

Statistics on physical and sexual violence show that more than 9 out of 10 perpetrators of violence are men. Of course, not all men are perpetrators. However, one could say that violence is a masculinity problem. Even if you haven’t committed any violence yourself, you are part of that culture. Men have grown up in a society that has certain expectations of them and has imposed certain standards on them: a culture in which inappropriate behaviour and violence against women is rife, as well as trivialising and normalising this behaviour.
Strict masculinity standards lead to violence against people who are not masculine (enough): lhbtqia+ persons and (other) women and men.

The masculinity standard sets the role, characteristics and behaviour of boys and men. A man ought to be strong, tough and dominant. Above all he is not allowed to show so-called ‘feminine’ qualities.

IMAGINE workshops focus on the theme of gender and gender-based violence (against women). All boys and men can make a positive contribution to cultural change. Together with IMAGINE we take the first step towards awareness.

4. How do you work with the target group?

IMAGINE’s starting point is always the questioning of perspectives, creating awareness and offering a positive action perspective.

Our peer educators have the knowledge and skills to facilitate workshops on topics as positive masculinity, gender equality and (sexual) violence. They are trained to create a safe and positive atmosphere and then get to work with the group.

The IMAGINE-methodology involves that conversations about the topics mentioned is playfully started and then build upon the outcome of the group. The working methods in the toolkit are interactive and easily accessible, and can be used in various ways. We put the group to work and facilitate the process.

5. How long does a workshop take?

An average IMAGINE workshop takes three hours. It is also possible to split the workshop in two one-and-a-half hour sessions or three one-hour sessions.

Although three hours might sound long, most groups are usually amazed how fast time flies and how many things they have done and learned in these hours. But if it doesn’t fit your schedule or if you would like another option, let us know and we can look for a solution.

6. Which topics are covered?

During an IMAGINE-workshop the following themes will be addressed: sex and gender, prejudice and stereotyping, intimacy and relationships, peer pressure and (sexual) violence.

Our peer educators draw up a substantive programme in advance. This happens in consultation with you on the basis of your wishes. However, it can happen that one subject seems to live more within a group than another. The peer educators are flexible in this respect and respond to what the group needs at that moment by using new working methods that are in line with this.

7. Is it possible to focus on one of the themes during a workshop?

Although it is possible to focus on one of the themes, we do, however, recommend to always make the link between gender and gender-related violence in the workshops. By making this link with the group, it becomes clear what causes social inequality and how (sexual) violence relates to it.

In this way we touch on subjects such as: double standards, unequal treatment, slutshaming and victim blaming, (cyber) bullying, exposing, (sexual) intimidation and more different forms of violence.

8. Contact?

Mail us at imagine@emancipator.nl with your questions or for an exploratory talk on the phone or live. Together we will look into possibilities for an IMAGINE-workshop at your place.

Would you like to book a workshop right away? Click on the Book a workshop button.