Exchange of good practices in order to achieve a pedagogical and cultural model to combat violence against women.

Project summary

The results of an European study led in 2012 by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) about violence against women underline that: 1) about 13 millions of women in the EU have suffered physical violence during the 12 months before the survey's interviews and that corresponds to 7% of women aged between 18 and 74 years old; 2) about 3,7 millions of women in the EU have suffered sexual violence during the 12 months before the survey's interview, which is equal to 2% of women aged between 18 and 74 years old. Moreover, 18% of women in the EU have been subjected to stalking from the age of 15 years old and 5% has been victim of that in the 12 months before the study (about 9 millions of women). It stands to reason that – considered the extent of the phenomenon worsened by dates about 'femicide' – the EU recommendations to the Members State are substantially orientated to contain it. Concerning the necessity of a cultural change – while mentioning that a change is essential – EU don't supply concrete indications to achieve it, leaving the issue open. Studies and research done in these last year highlight the basic observation that persistent harassments, persecutory acts and psychological violence are done every day with a very low awareness to commit a crime or to cause damages to the partner. This phenomenon not only distinguishes couples of adults, but it's clearly evident in friendship groups and in couples of teenagers partners. An asymmetric and basically class representation of gender relations is often present between boys and girls, combined with the possibility of justifying violent actions: this dichotomy masculine/feminine can only reproduce the same dynamics of unequal power within relationships between males and females. The object of the project is to build an European network of experts coming from the partnership in order to achieve an innovative pedagogical and cultural model through the exchange of good practices. The pedagogical and cultural model wants to start up a process of critical reflections and an educational process on the themes related to gender relations and, in particular: a) to bring out the structure of social representation of violence against women, b) to foster a higher awareness of the various form in which violence can reveal, c) to explore gender stereotypes, d) to suggest relational equality as an option to violence. Moreover, the group of the experts will take in consideration the artistic languages in order to suggest and produce new forms of learning and of socio – educational animation to be spent in education and training field. The pedagogical and cultural model will be addressed to the educators, teachers, trainers and cultural/social animator for improving its competences and to be able to spend it in their work. Activities of the project: 1) Phase 1: to build an European group of expert (each partner selects 2 expert in its organisation); 2) Phase 2: Research and analysis of the good practices: a) exchange of experiences and good practices concerning the theme related to the gender relations, in order to complete and to integrate the framework. b) Analysis of needs: what has been done in terms of educational and cultural point of view to prevent gender violence in countries participating in the project? They will be taken into account existing research and analysis, programmes and products relating to best practices regarding cultural and educational projects for the prevention of gender violence, with particular reference to educational and cultural policies to combat gender violence triggered in the territorial contexts of the partners; c) selection of good practices in each partner countries;d) conclusions and recommendations 3) Phase 3. To realize a Pilot session in Hannover. The experts, starting from the results of the research of the good practices will realise a first draft proposal concerning the pedagogic and cultural model, realise a guidelines for the selection of educator and trainers that will participate as the Theatre atelier in France (5 days. (Short term joint staff training events). 4) Phase 4. To realize a Theatre Atelier for 20 learners coming from IT, DE, UK, SL managed by Theatre de l’Opprimè. The learners will be involved by the artists in performances concerning the theme of the gender violence. (8 days -(Blended mobility) 5) Phase 5. To realize the Active Learning Innovative Blog 6) Phase 6. Activities of dissemination will be done by the partners through web pages on their institutional websites, by promotional/informative materials, press conferences and newspaper articles on local press, e-newsletters and seminars in each country. Partners: 365giornialfemminile (IT), Applicant; Ljudska univerza Rogaška Slatina (SL); Leibniz University of Hannover (DE); Accord Housing Association (UK); Centre Theatre de l'Opprimè (FR).