March 29

Debate to explore issues, not to end them.

This semester, service started as usual, in virtual mode. We had some new members and new bedroom walls to look at. For this semester, we decided to dive into weekly debates on global issues regarding women’s rights. We set up some ground rules for the debate to make it more formal which followed,

  1. Everyone contributing a point or a rebuttal\
  2. If a speaker is being consulted regarding their recent comment, they should respond to it without consulting the other members of the group
  3. Everyone should be respectful to others and no personal insults or comments should be done.

Our first discussion topic was on abortion, “Should abortion be legal/ illegal?” We divided the girls into two groups and had them prepared with the necessary facts before the date. It was a good way of bonding with the new members and everyone put effort into preparing for the debate which made it all the more fascinating.

Our second topic for debate was “Should contraceptives be available and accessible to teenagers in high school?”. The use of contraceptives is a timely topic in heated discussion among all groups, and even though we didn’t want to agree or disagree with people’s personal opinions, we realized this would be a very educational debate in all ways. The girls were once again divided into tw0 groups and below are some of the key points in the debate.

Team ‘Yes’-

  • It should be accessible to teenagers above the age of 17, which would prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STDs.
  • If sex education is regular for high schoolers, then why not provide them with proper protection?
  • Help teenagers be more sexually responsible and aware of the consequences of unwanted/ unprotected sex
  • Give teenagers the choice in their sexual experiences
  • Teen girls and boys could be embarrassed to ask their parents, so if it’s available at school, they would have easy access

and multiple other key ideas which have not included above.

Team ‘No’-

  • Contraceptives might often go against religious beliefs/ disrespectful to some religions
  • Normalizing engaging in sexual activities in early life
  • Ethical issues involving contraceptives

The topic for the next session would be on human rights and gender equality, “Have you ever experienced unfair/unjust treatment because of your gender?”. Like before, we will have the girls prepare beforehand for these debates so that it flows smoothly during the hour.

When dividing the girls into teams, we always make sure to shuffle them around so that everyone works with everyone. I think this has been quite successful and many interesting ideas have been highlighted during these debates. Since our service group included girls from all grades, they have different levels of opinions and there’s something to learn from everyone. This has set a new dynamic for our regular service sessions and I hope there’s more to come.

Learning outcomes.

  • Identify your won strengths and develop areas for personal growth.
  • Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
  • Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.
  • Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.
  • Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions.

Through these weekly debate sessions, I have been able to identify my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to stating a fact and providing arguments to support the claim. I have been a part of both teams and thereby having to present ideas even if it is against your personal opinion. Working in groups has helped me get to know others better and also improve my leadership skills. When preparing for these sessions, one should specifically consider the ethics involving the subject, so as not to insult or disrespect a particular group. By discussing these timely issues, I have also engaged with global issues through which we have come to objective conclusions. This activity in fact has taught me many lessons in life and after all, debates are to explore issues, not to end the conversations.

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