By implementing Equal Futures, we want to respond to real needs that young people are facing today. Even though gender equality is often presented as a basic value, many inequalities are still part of everyday life. According to European data, women in the EU still earn around 13% less than men, and young people are constantly exposed to gender stereotypes through social media, education systems, and family expectations. At the same time, many young people do not feel confident enough to talk about these experiences openly or do not have access to safe spaces where their voices are taken seriously. From a youth work perspective, Equal Futures will aim to close this gap between experience and expression. The project will create a non-formal learning environment where young people will learn by doing, sharing, and reflecting together. Instead of offering ready-made answers, the project will encourage young people to question norms, explore their own experiences, and learn from peers. Digital storytelling will be used as a youth work tool because it will allow young people to express complex feelings and ideas in creative and accessible ways, especially when words alone are not enough. The project will also respond to the reality that young people are growing up in a highly digital world. Studies show that young people spend several hours a day on social media, where gender roles and stereotypes are often reinforced by trends, influencers, and algorithms. However, while young people consume a lot of content, they are rarely supported to become critical creators. Equal Futures will aim to change this by turning digital tools into instruments for reflection, expression, and social impact. Through the implementation of the project, we want to achieve the following objectives: -Young people will increase their awareness and understanding of gender equality by connecting social concepts to their own daily experiences, such as education, relationships, online spaces, and future career expectations. -Young people will feel empowered to speak up by sharing personal stories and perspectives in a safe and supportive youth work environment where participation will always be voluntary and respectful. -Young people will develop digital and media literacy skills by learning how to create, edit, and share short digital stories using accessible tools, while also understanding ethical storytelling and responsible online communication. -Young people will strengthen their critical thinking skills by analysing media content, social norms, and stereotypes related to gender and identity, and by reflecting on how these narratives influence their self-image and choices. -Young people will improve their communication, teamwork, and intercultural skills by working in diverse international groups and learning to collaborate with peers from different cultural and social backgrounds. -Young people will gain confidence as active citizens by using digital storytelling as a tool to raise awareness, start conversations, and challenge stereotypes in their local communities after the project. From a youth work perspective, Equal Futures will show that young people do not need to be “experts” to contribute to social change. By trusting their experiences and supporting them with the right tools and methods, the project will help young people realise that their voices matter. Ultimately, the project will aim to turn everyday experiences into learning, creativity into empowerment, and youth participation into real social impact.