Youth work for Women Empowerment

 Youth Work for Women Empowerment is a training course that will take place in Malmö - Sweden with the participation of 26 participants from Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain, the Republic of Macedonia, Norway, Italy, and Denmark with respect to gender balance and inclusion of at least 1 person per group belonging to the categories of people with fewer opportunities. In a field where gender equality is more present than many other fields; we believe non-formal education and learning are exactly the contexts where it should be the starting point for women empowerment.

Through our experience working with young people (including the youth workers and volunteers from our organization and our partner organisations) as well as in-depth research on gender equality, we have identified a lack of awareness and sensitivity to the confidence gap; the need for space where youth workers exchange best practices and analyze the role youth workers play in gender equality; and the absence of a network of European youth workers committed to women empowerment. We believe that training the youth workers can have a multiplying effect and have an exponential impact on youngsters who (a) become empowered and (b) empower other women.  

The main objectives could be marked as follows:

•  Training the Youth Workers to recognize gender-based biases and to increase the sensitivity regarding such behaviours.
•  Training the Youth Workers to be aware of the gender confidence gap and providing tools to effectively encourage young women
•  Exchanging good practices between the partnering countries. 
•  Providing participants with an open space to analyze solutions and find ways to implement them 
• Identifying and discussing further the role that youth and youth workers play in the advancement of gender equality
•  Understanding the importance of having male allies in the advancement of gender equality, and the role that mentorship plays in the empowerment of women

Through non-formal education methodologies, we aim to provide participants with the right tools to strengthen their learning process, creating an experiential and inclusive environment that will  be completely focused on their needs. Everyone will be encouraged to share experiences and take initiatives and  challenges, with the support of trainers and organizing team.

Methodology:

-Energizers and social games

-Discussions, analysis, debates and presentations

-Simulations and role plays

-Meetings with representatives of authorities and other NGOs

-Usage and practice of gained knowledge and skills on practical examples

-Evaluation of self-assessment

-Daily reflection on individual and group level

-Planning of future cooperation

Eligibility criteria for the youth workers:

- 3 participants per Country , aged 18+ with respect of gender balance

- Youth workers, youth leaders and trainers actively involved in their sending organizations and experienced in NFE  and Erasmus+ projects

- Residing in one of the participating countries of the project;

- Possess good command of English (ability to clearly understand and communicate with the group in English); with demonstrated personal commitment to youth, by involvement in work with NGOs, volunteering activities, etc.;

- with at least 2 years of experience in working with organizations on programs/projects for youth and advanced knowledge in non-formal education. Nominees who have served in many roles with varied and extensive experiences are favoured;

- in a position to transfer further knowledge to other youth trainers in their country.

- You are willing to participate in all the project phases – (including DISSEMINATION)

-Priority will be given to people coming from rural or disadvantaged areas and those facing social and economic obstacles.