A step forward

Create a calm atmosphere by playing soft background music. Ask participants to randomly pick a role card from a hat, keeping their role private from others.

Instruct participants to step into their assigned roles. Explain that you will read out a series of situations or events. Each time they can answer “yes”, they should take a step forward. If they cannot, they should remain in place. Read each statement one by one. At the end, ask participants to observe their final positions. Give them a couple of minutes to step out of their roles before moving into a group debriefing.

• Pre-prepared role cards on small slips of paper.
• A safe outdoor space for participants to move around freely.

• You have never faced serious financial difficulties.
• You have decent housing with a telephone and television.
• Your language, religion, and culture are respected in the society where you live.
• Your opinion on social and political issues matters, and your views are heard.
• Other people consult you about important matters.
• You are not afraid of being stopped by the police.
• You know where to turn for advice and help when needed.
• You have never felt discriminated against because of your background.
• You have adequate social and medical protection.
• You can afford to go on holiday once a year.
• You can invite friends for dinner at home.
• You have an interesting life and feel positive about your future.
• You can study and pursue the career of your choice.
• You are not afraid of being harassed or attacked in the streets or media.
• You can vote in national and local elections.
• You can celebrate important religious festivals with your family and friends.
• You can participate in an international seminar abroad.
• You can go to the cinema or theater at least once a week.
• You are not afraid for the future of your children.
• You can buy new clothes at least once every three months.
• You can fall in love with whomever you choose.
• Your skills and competence are recognized and respected in society.
• You can access and benefit from the Internet.
• You are not afraid of the consequences of climate change.
• You can browse any website on the Internet without fear of censorship.

• An unemployed single mother.
• The president of a political youth organization.
• The daughter of a local bank manager.
• A university economics student.
• The son of a Chinese immigrant running a successful fast-food business.
• An Arab Muslim girl living with devoutly religious parents.
• The daughter of the American ambassador.
• A soldier serving compulsory military duty.
• The owner of a successful import-export company.
• A young man who uses a wheelchair.
• A retired factory worker.
• A 17-year-old Roma (Gypsy) girl who never finished primary school.
• The girlfriend of a young artist addicted to heroin.
• An HIV-positive, middle-aged prostitute.
• A 22-year-old lesbian.
• An unemployed university graduate looking for work.
• A fashion model of African descent.
• A 24-year-old refugee from Afghanistan.
• A homeless 27-year-old man.
• An undocumented immigrant from Mali.
• A 19-year-old son of a farmer in a remote mountain village.

This activity is a powerful tool for reflecting on inequalities and challenging the myth of meritocracy. It highlights that not everyone starts from the same place in life, and the paths to success are deeply influenced by socioeconomic background, ethnicity, gender identity, and other factors. Participants are encouraged to discuss their experiences, reflect on privilege, and consider how these inequalities shape real-world opportunities.