1. SESSION THREE The Matrix Exercise
Notes to Facilitators:
The Matrix exercise is a very effective way of exploring how the various aspects of problems can affect various members of communities differently.
It elicits a deep level of discussion and takes a lot of time. One way of saving time is to break participants into small groups and ask each group to work on one part of the matrix, then to feed back to the larger group. This can still take a full day if you are working with a complex matrix.

2. The Matrix exercise allows us to explore
in-depth the of issues of concern to the community.
Note to facilitators:
In order to run this exercise, you need to design a matrix. You need to be very clear about the information you wish to collect before you do this.
The Matrix can be prepared in advance if there is already a clear agenda for the dialogue, or, if the dialogue is more open, the matrix can be prepared by the facilitators in a break, building on the outcomes of previous sessions, or can be constructed with participants.
If a matrix has been pre-prepared, it can be adapted with the participants.
As in all stages of the dialogue, you must carefully record all of the discussion as the participants post their “notes” onto the matrix. This will be an important part of your data, or “evidence” collection.

3. In small groups, participants discuss the impact of the issues of concern on each designated category and write the issues on ‘post it” notes, one for each issue they want to put in box in the matrix.
When they come to present, they stick their notes in the appropriate boxes. They often have several issues for each box.
Introducing the Matrix exercise:
This exercise allows facilitators to get a sophisticated understanding of the experiences of participants in various areas of their lives.
It gives participants an opportunity to fully explain the details of their experiences.
It provides evidence for advocacy for change.

4. It allows for an in-depth analysis of how issues affect particular individuals or groups.
Introducing the Matrix exercise continued:
In the example in the pictures, we were working with refugee women and girls. Down the vertical axis we identified relevant groups:
Babies
Young girls
Adolescents
Young women
Mature women
Old women
Women with a disability
Single parents
Unaccompanied minors
Lesbians

5. listed down the vertical listed along the horizontal axis?
How does a
range of concerns,
listed down the vertical
axis of the matrix,
impact on different
individuals or groups,
listed along the horizontal axis?
Introducing the Matrix exercise continued:
Across the horizontal axis we identified key issues of concern:
1. Individual Documentation
2. Leadership
3. SGBV
4. Shelter
5. Sanitary Materials
6. Health
7. Legal Remedies
8. Education
9. Economic Self reliance
10. Violence
We then used the matrix to discuss how each of the issues impacted on the different groups.