Activities
Activities within the womenstown.org site are designed to encourage students of gender or the built enviroment to explore the linkages between these two disciplines. Originally designed for students at the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA, these activities aim to be inclusions in existing courses, rather than simply "add-ons". However, they may be modified for use with students of all ages, genders and geographical locations.
Activities still under construction on the site include:
1. Document
Using the original photos of the Huairou Forum as a stimulus, students select a location in their own community to observe. Over a period of time, they document (in photographs, words, drawings, etc) the uses of that space, and how it seems to impact men and women differently. This activity may be completed individually or as a group.
2. Interact
Using the original photos of the Huairou Forum as a stimulus, students select a location or physical space in their community to study. Students then interview members of the community to discover their views on the interactions between the built environment and gender in this space, and any improvements community members would like to see made. These interviews can be compiled and shared, or they may be used as the basis for future activities. This activity may be completed individually or as a group.
3. Role-play
Again using the original photos of the Huairou Forum and the accompanying commentary as stimulus, students write small stories or role-plays which illustrate the chosen topic. Students then perform these plays in a public forum to raise awareness of the issues related to gender and the built environment. This activity should be completed as a group.
4. Take Action
As their major assessment for their current university/school course, students combine the "Document" and "Interact" activities above with their own academic research to create an action report on their chosen topic or location. This action report can be submitted to local activist organizations and local governments as a suggestion for improvement. This activity may be completed individually or as a group, depending on class requirements.
Please contact us if you have any activities you would like to add to the site, or any suggestions for improvement. This site is intended to be created by you, for you - we'd love your participation.
© 2005 Trinity Ryan