Brighton and Sussex Sexualities Network

Some development work has reinforced inequalities around sexuality and gender. Sometimes even the interventions seeking greater justice and equality – such as those associated with Gender and Development, the Men and Masculinities field, Rights-Based Development, empowerment and participation – serve to reinforce oppressive sexuality and gender norms. If development really did justice to the diversity of people’s social and sexual identities, livelihoods and living arrangements, how would it be different to the approaches we see today? How can development policies, programme and practices be refashioned so as to actively address the harmful effects of oppressive norms of sexuality and gender? What has worked to do this and what can be learnt from it? And what is needed, concretely, if we are to untie development’s straightjacket and pursue ways of doing development work that can be both more just and respectful of diversity and difference and more effective at transforming oppressive structures and relations of power?

This one-day workshop will bring together practitioners, policy makers, activists, and academics. It will be convened by a number of programmes co-ordinated by the Institute of Development Studies - Participation and Development Relations, Sexuality and Development, Pathways of Women’s Empowerment, and HIV and Development.

In the morning we will look at where and how development work has reinforced sexuality and gender norms. In the afternoon we will focus on where these norms have been challenged, how things can be done differently, and opportunities for influence.

We request that all those wishing to attend bring an example, possibly from your own experience, observation, analysis, or research, of where development work has reinforced sexuality and gender norms, and another example of where a different approach has or could be taken which you feel is more constructive. If you would like to do a short presentation or a poster session, or for other enquiries about content, please contact Susie Jolly s.jolly@ids.ac.uk

The format will be lively and participatory. A free lunch will be provided. Attendance is open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please reply by July 6th if possible.  If you would like to attend please fill in the attached form, and return to Stephen Wood s.wood@ids.ac.uk. For any other enquiries concerning logistics, visas etc. please also contact Stephen.

To sign up to attend, please fill out the attached form and send to Stephen Wood s.wood@ids.ac.uk if possible by July 6th.

• Sign up form (PDF version)
• Sign up form (Word doc version)