Group goals/objectives to be covered: By the end of sessions, the group will demonstrate improved levels of empowerment as measured by the Multicultural Psychological Empowerment Scale for Saudi Women (MPES-SW).
- The group will discuss self-awareness
- The group will learn and explore different dimensions of empowerment (i.e. self-efficacy and self-determination)
Brief agenda:
Icebreaker- 5 minutes
Discussion/Education- 30 minutes
Break- 10 minutes
Activity- 15 minutes
Conclusion
Lesson plan:
Icebreaker (5 minutes): Ask group participants to go around in a circle and share one thing that makes them feel loved.
Discussion/Education (30 minutes):
- Ask group members what they believe “true love” is.
Response to discussion question #1:
It is expected for the group participants to have different definitions or characteristics of “true love.” However, recognize definitions that relate to co-dependency; for example, “finding a soul mate,” “finding your other half,” “feeling whole or complete.” Such definitions, although disguised as romantic, imply that individuals are “incomplete” or “not enough” when alone. The toxic idea that “two people become one” when in relationships suggests that one personality dominates the other (Martens et al., 2008).
Emphasize that within relationships, it is important to remain independent. Relationships may be described as having three entities; two separate individuals, with the third entity being the “couple.” The couple may break up, and although that may affect the two individuals involved, it does not destroy them due to their preserved autonomy and freedom (Martens et al., 2008).
- Ask group members to identify the differing characteristics between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Response to discussion question #2:
Note that violence is never experienced in a healthy relationship. Violence is also not always physical. A threat to mental health and emotional well-being may constitute violence as well.
Common forms of physical violence (Dickson et al., 2020):
- Slapping
- Pushing
- Throwing objects at someone
- Strangling
- Threatening or attacking someone with a weapon
- Sexual assault
Common forms of mental/emotional violence (Apatinga et al., 2021):
- Threats of physical harm
- Yelling
- Name-calling
- Humiliation; men publicly embarrass their wives
Break (10 minutes)
Activity (15 minutes):
Read the following scenarios aloud to group participants and ask them to shout out if it is a “red flag” or a “green flag.”
Note that “red flags” demonstrate aspects of unhealthy relationships and “green flags” demonstrate aspects of healthy relationships.
- Your partner tells you that you cannot spend time with your friends. (red flag)
- Your partner listens to you when you confront them about an issue within your relationship. (green flag)
- Your partner slaps you during a heated argument, but apologizes and tells you they love you afterward. (red flag)
- Your partner blames you for situations you were not involved in. (red flag)
- Your partner compliments you after you disclose to them that you are feeling insecure. (green flag)
- Your partner continues to ask you to have sex with them after you have stated that you are not “in the mood” to. (red flag)
- Your partner reassures you that “it is okay” after you make a mistake. (green flag)
- Your partner threatens to hit you during an argument. (red flag)
- Your partner accuses you of having sex with other people in front of others. He begins to call you inappropriate names. (red flag)
- Your partner puts forth effort to spend time with you. (green flag)
If group participants guess incorrectly, redirect them politely. If necessary, explain the term “manipulation.”
Manipulation- “controlling someone or something to your own advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly” (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.).
Conclusion:
Thank group members for participating in the session. Ask if any group members have any questions or concerns.
Resources/handouts/activities/materials needed:
N/A
Reference list for resources:
Apatinga, G. A., Tenkorang, E. Y., & Issahaku, P. (2020). Silent and Lethal: Consequences of Sexual Violence Against Married Women in Ghana. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(23–24), NP13206–NP13228. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520905552
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). manipulation. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/manipulation
Dickson, K. S., Ameyaw, E. K., & Darteh, E. K. M. (2020). Understanding the endorsement of wife beating in Ghana: evidence of the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey. BMC Women’s Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-00897-8
Martens, M. M., Viegas, P., & Mimoso, R. (2008). The Power to Change: How to Set Up and Run Support Groups for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence.