With refugees coming into the country by the thousands, Norway has initiated a program that aims to teach male asylum-seekers from conservative societies about European sexual norms and laws. The program, which basically discusses what sexual behaviors are acceptable or not in the country, is aimed at helping the refugees adapt to a nation where women have more freedom and value, according to The Independent.
The five-hour program is completely voluntary, though male immigrants are encouraged to attend. The discussions focus on the issue of sex and rape, emphasizing that some sexual actions which would otherwise be considered as honorable in some cultures might be downright illegal and shameful in Norway.
In a way, the classes show male immigrants the difference between right and wrong in the European country. The course manual, which is given in the classes, features a number of statements and points that give a clear picture of the country's stance on consensual and non-consensual sex, reports The New York Times.
The materials in the program do not feature stereotypes, avoiding the depiction of immigrants as possible sex offenders. Instead, the materials use a Norwegian man named Arne as a model for predatory behavior and an immigrant named Hassan as a man who is "honest and well-liked."
"To force someone into sex is not permitted in Norway, even when you are married to that person. The rules and laws nevertheless have to be followed," one of the lines in the manual reads, according to Jezebel.
Eritrean immigrant and course participant Abdu Osman Kelifa believes that the program is very useful and informative, especially for immigrants such as himself who come from cultures where women are treated in a completely different manner.
"Men have weaknesses and when they see someone smiling it is difficult to control. In Eritrea, if someone wants a lady he can just take her and he will not be punished. In Norway, they can do any job from prime minister to truck driver and have the right to relax," he said.
