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Gender Bias – Which is My Role?

2024-3-IT03-KA152-YOU-0002669072024Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: IT|EL|ES|PL|PT · Grant: €31,390
Promoting gender equalityPromoting LGBT+ equalityEuropean identity and values

Objectives

We aim to carry out this project to address the pervasive issue of gender bias and its impact on young people. As defined by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), gender bias refers to actions and thoughts based on the belief that women are not equal to men in terms of rights and dignity. A 2023 UN report revealed that 9 out of 10 people, regardless of gender, hold biases toward women. These biases limit opportunities for women in areas like politics, sports, and high-level careers while restricting men’s emotional expression and career choices. This is particularly evident in the workplace, media, education, and social norms. Addressing these biases is crucial to fostering an inclusive society. In a previous youth mobility in Creative Emotional Journey KA220 project, we explored these themes briefly but identified the need for a dedicated space to fully engage with them. Many participants questioned societal expectations of men and women and expressed frustration at the limitations these roles impose. They questioned what it means to be a man or a woman in today’s world and whether these are the only genders we recognize. Thus, this project was born to provide young people with a platform to reflect on gender roles, examine stereotypes, and engage in dialogue on equality. Issues and Needs Addressed: 1.Perpetuation of Gender Biases: Gender stereotypes limit both men and women by enforcing societal expectations. Women are often seen as less capable in areas like politics and sports, while men face constraints in emotional expression. This project will help raise awareness of these biases and challenge them. 2.Lack of Awareness on Intersectionality: Gender bias intersects with other forms of discrimination based on race, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. This intersectionality exacerbates inequality for some individuals, and there is a need to understand how different identities influence experiences of gender bias. 3.Cultural Differences in Gender Perceptions: Gender roles vary across cultures, often reinforced by traditions. This project will explore how gender roles are viewed in different countries, allowing participants to examine the cultural roots of these biases through shared activities like traditional dance and rituals. 4.Gender Inequality in Emerging Areas: The rapid development of digitalization, climate change, and shifts in the labor market pose new challenges to gender equality. For instance, digitalization can widen the digital divide and exacerbate online harassment. This project will explore these trends, equipping participants to face new challenges related to gender equality in the modern world. 5.Emotional and Creative Expression: Many young people lack safe spaces to explore their thoughts and emotions around gender roles and equality. This project offers a space where participants can use creative tools like theatre, video-making, and storytelling to express their feelings and perspectives on gender. Objectives: 1.Raise Awareness of Gender Roles and Stereotypes: Through creative workshops, discussions, and intercultural exchange, participants will explore how gender stereotypes shape their lives and influence their perceptions. 2.Promote Gender Equality and Combat Bias: The project will equip participants with the tools to recognize and challenge gender bias, using data from sources like EIGE and real-life stories to raise awareness of discrimination. 3.Foster Intercultural Dialogue on Gender Roles: Participants from different cultural backgrounds will share perspectives on gender roles, encouraging reflection on how these roles are shaped by tradition and how cultural norms either perpetuate or challenge stereotypes. 4.Empower Young People through Creativity and Gamification: By engaging in creative activities such as forum theatre, game design and videomaking, participants will develop both their creative skills and their capacity to communicate the importance of gender equality to a broader audience. 5.Create a Collaborative Network for Future Projects: The project aims to establish a network of young people and youth workers committed to gender equality. Participants will develop ideas for future collaborations and projects that promote gender equality. By addressing these needs and meeting our objectives, this project will help develop a generation of young people who are more aware of gender bias, equipped to challenge stereotypes, and motivated to promote gender equality in their communities. Through creativity, intercultural dialogue, and shared experiences, participants will be empowered to become advocates for change.

Project partners (5)