GENDER CONSCIOUS PRACTICE AND YOUTH WORK
A promising KA2 ERASMUS+ project on promoting gender-conscious practice in youth work just started, bringing together 3 dynamic youth organizations from Europe: You in Europe (applicant) from Greece, Est-YES from Estonia and us, The Convent Centre from Italy.
The need to address the increasing phenomenon of gender-based violence and to deliver a more diverse, inclusive and active participation in non-formal activities, were at the foundations of the idea.
Raising awareness about gender-based violence is critical for empowering women and encouraging their active participation in society. Enhancing youth work regarding gender-sensitive issues is a key motivation, aiming to positively increase the impact of work with young people by promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Project’s Activities
During 18-months, the project’s activities include:
1. mapping the situation in every country and explore effective strategies
2. a series of educational activities
3. the creation of an educational tool kit – based on the conclusions drawn from the mapping and the educational activities.
4. the evaluation of the results and their dissemination
5. planning future activities.
The first project activity, coordinated by EstYes, was successfully completed on 29th of January and 1st of February 2024. It consisted of a two-day online training conducted by Ghizlane Akourim for the youth workers of each partner organization. The training aimed to create a baseline of gender-based violence and learned how to build a non-judgmental, diverse, safe and inclusive communication environment, regardless of gender of the participants in the learning activities. After analyzing important terms like “gender discrimination”, “gender-based violence” and “sexual harassment” and learning how to recognize such behaviors, participants were provided with essential methods and techniques for preventing, and responding to these incidents effectively.
Next phase of the program includes the investigation stage, as well as the preparation for the creation of the educational toolkit.