“Gender based violence prevention – raising capacities of youth workers for addressing the issue”

Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence directed against a person because of their gender or violence that disproportionately affects persons of a particular gender, as defined by the European Commission. Responding to the recognised needs in youth work, and with support from experienced trainers and facilitators, this training course was designed to equip youth workers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to address GBV through educational activities.

This training course is tailored for youth workers and professionals who are at the beginning of their journey in developing educational activities for GBV prevention. The program starts by building a common ground among participants through introductions, expectation-setting, and teambuilding exercises. It then progressively guides them through the key concepts of non-formal education, types of learning, and the values of youth work, before delving deeper into the topics of gender, violence, and the cycle of violence.

Throughout the course, participants explore practical skills such as recognising different forms of violence, responding assertively to GBV situations, and preparing follow-up activities. They will also visit local organisations in Berlin to gain inspiration and real-life examples of good practice. Using interactive methods like simulations, group discussions, and feedback sessions, participants will co-create and refine local-level action plans.

By the end of the training, participants are expected to:

• Understand the concepts of gender, gender equality, violence, and GBV.
• Gain basic competences in non-formal educational methods for working on sensitive topics.
• Recognise and practice assertive communication and active bystander approaches.
• Develop concrete local-level activity plans to prevent GBV and promote gender equality within their communities.

The training course is developed in line with the Youth Goal 2: Equality of All Genders, and contributes to the following objectives of the goal:

• End gender-based violence by addressing and tackling it effectively in all its forms.
• Eliminate stereotypical gender roles and embrace diverse gender identities in education systems, family life, the workplace, and other areas of life.
• Ensure equal access to formal and non-formal education, and that the design of education systems follows gender-sensitive approaches. 

The training course will be based on non-formal education (NFE) methods and experiential learning principles, ensuring an active and inclusive learning environment. The program is designed to equip youth workers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to raise awareness, prevent gender-based violence (GBV), and develop meaningful educational activities in their local communities.

The first days of the training will focus on creating a safe and collaborative learning atmosphere, building trust within the group, and aligning participants’ expectations. Participants will be introduced to the concepts of non-formal education, different types of learning, and the values of youth work, with specific links to GBV prevention. Teambuilding exercises will help establish group cohesion and create the foundation for open dialogue.

As the course progresses, participants will explore key concepts related to gender, gender equality, and violence. They will gain an understanding of what GBV is, its forms and cycles, and how it impacts young people and communities. Interactive sessions will also focus on developing assertive communication skills and learning how to respond to GBV situations, helping participants move from bystanders to active agents of change.

Midway through the training, participants will be introduced to practical tools and good practices for developing local-level activities. They will visit local organisations in Berlin to observe real-world initiatives and gather inspiration for their own work. Using group work, simulations, and peer feedback, participants will design activity concepts tailored to their own community needs.

In the final stages of the training, participants will refine their activity plans, test ideas through simulation exercises, and present their outcomes to peers for feedback. They will also reflect on how their learning can be applied in their organisations and future projects. The course will conclude with a structured evaluation session and a Youthpass ceremony to recognise and celebrate participants’ learning achievements.

All participants are encouraged to come prepared with information about their local realities and challenges related to gender-based violence. These insights will be integrated throughout the program, serving as a practical basis for developing realistic, inclusive, and impactful local-level action plans to prevent GBV and promote gender equality.

*Participants are expected to, in preparation for the event, finalise the preparatory online learning course. Preparatory online course will be accessible prior to the start of the event. In case the profile of the group is more advanced, the online learning course will not be agreed. Selected participants will be informed about the online learning plan, in timely manner.