The use of drawing in the development of a gender-sensitive training methodology in the Natal/Kwazulu area

This paper argues for 'a more exploratory use of drawing as a participatory training method than currently seems to be used'. Drawing on her experience of organising workshops for craft producers (mostly poor rural women), the author discusses how drawing can serve as a 'dynamic, process of reflection, questioning and transformation'. Most traditional learning techniques are still predominantly verbal, neglecting the artistic and intuitive skills of the right side of the brain. A distinction is made between using drawing diagrammatically to summarise an idea, and 'metaphorically' to express emotions and the individual's experience. The latter is particularly relevant for discussing gender issues. One example of metaphorical use of drawing in training is: asking group participants to draw a self portrait, adding in how they felt as a result of working as a group of women. Although initially no groups asserted that gender issues were a problem, discussion of gender subordination arose through the process of drawing.