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Make Gender Equity Reality!

2023-1-NL02-KA153-YOU-0001456432023Mobility of youth workersfinalizedGood practice
Countries: NL|TR|PL|IT|BG|EE|FR|HR · Grant: €46,891
Promoting gender equalityNew learning and teaching methods and approachesPreventing racism and discrimination

Objectives

The implementation of the project "Make Gender Equity Reality!" was driven by the desire to address critical gaps in youth workers’ understanding and engagement with gender equity, stereotypes, and non-formal education (NFE) methods. As a group of youth workers from Poland, Italy, Croatia, and St. Maarten, we built upon our shared experiences from a 2019 Erasmus+ Training Course, where we exchanged ideas and explored the intersection of gender issues and the use of drama as an educational tool. Motivated by this foundation, we designed a project aimed at creating tangible changes in our own countries. The survey conducted prior to the project revealed significant challenges in youth work, such as a lack of awareness and effective approaches to address gender stereotypes, limited use of NFE methods, and hesitancy among youth workers to step outside traditional formal education practices. These findings shaped the objectives of our project: Over months, we aimed to ensure that 24 participating youth workers understood and gained knowledge about the role, importance, and potential of NFE methods, particularly drama, in addressing gender equality with young people. We sought to improve participants’ skills in exploring and applying different educational approaches—formal, non-formal, and informal—by implementing and practicing NFE methods in the context of gender issues. The project aimed to help participants grasp the principles of NFE and reflect on its transformative power by experiencing diverse educational methods related to gender identity and stereotypes. Through this project, we sought to develop participants’ skills and knowledge regarding gender equity while enhancing their capacity to apply NFE methods. One of our core objectives was to ensure that participants gained a clear understanding of the potential of drama as a dynamic tool for addressing gender-related issues. Additionally, we aimed to promote intercultural learning and exchange, leveraging the diverse perspectives of participants from various cultural and social contexts. Another key objective was to provide youth workers with opportunities to explore and implement complementary educational approaches—formal, non-formal, and informal—focusing on gender issues. We also aspired to foster the use of NFE methods to empower participants in creating educational programs that address stereotypes and promote inclusivity. Finally, we aimed to address gaps identified in our pre-project survey, including the lack of awareness, tools, and motivation among youth workers to tackle gender-related issues effectively. By equipping participants with innovative methods and fostering intercultural collaboration, we aimed to inspire long-term professional growth and community impact. This initiative was deeply aligned with Erasmus+ objectives, including promoting professional development, supporting inclusion and diversity, and enhancing the international dimension of youth work. By leveraging non-formal learning and digital innovation, we ensured that the outcomes of the project were impactful and sustainable. In addition to addressing the specific gaps in knowledge and practice, the project placed a strong emphasis on fostering inclusion and diversity. Recognizing that gender equity is intertwined with broader issues of social inclusion, we prioritized the involvement of youth workers from underrepresented and marginalized groups, particularly those with fewer opportunities. This inclusive approach ensured that a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences enriched the dialogue and learning process. Furthermore, by incorporating environmentally sustainable practices and digital tools into the project’s activities, we demonstrated a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in youth work while aligning with the green and digital dimensions of the Erasmus+ program. This holistic approach amplified the impact of the project, creating a ripple effect that extended beyond individual participants to their communities and organizations. The project also aimed to inspire a culture of continuous learning and professional exchange among participants. By fostering connections between youth workers across different countries, we created a network for sharing best practices and collaborative initiatives. This network not only supported the sustainability of the project’s outcomes but also encouraged ongoing innovation in addressing gender equity and youth engagement challenges.

Project partners (8)