Engaged in Equality – Challenging masculinities and engaging adolescent boys to end gender-based violence

ended

Engaged in Equality addresses the priority of the call to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) by addressing masculinities and the engagement of men and boys in gender equality. The project’s goal is to challenge traditional gender roles, hegemonic masculinity and engage adolescent boys in becoming role models for the elimination GBV. It also has the objective to empower adolescent girls to identify the potential risks of hegemonic masculinity and gain confidence to reject abusive behaviours and relationships. Exchange, understanding and cooperation between boys and girls will be strengthened to jointly contribute to healthy and positive relationships. Negative gender stereotypes and norms that hinder gender equality will be tackled by using an innovative and previously tested approach, based on audio-visual media and music, and the capacity building of education professionals. The activities include: 1. Developing training and practical tools (Capacity building modules and a Teacher Toolkit). 2. Pilot-delivery of Capacity building trainings to teachers and educational staff on GBV prevention. 3. National networking seminars for teachers and educational staff. 4. Awareness-raising activities for boys and empowerment activities for girls. 5. Peer-to-peer workshops leaded by boys and girls. 6. European mutual learning events for teachers and adolescents. 7. Awareness-raising campaign (creation of 30 videos by the participant boys and girls). As a result, 650 adolescent boys and girls will be engaged and empowered to take action for gender equality and 150 teachers will be trained to more effectively challenge masculinities and prevent unequal power relationships and GBV among their students. Additionally, awareness on the need to tackle the harmful effects of hegemonic masculinity will be raised and more comprehensive and effective strategies and methods to combat GBV among adolescents will be adopted and promoted at regional, national and European level.