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Description
The MaRvel: (Re)veiled Masculinities project aims to challenge gender stereotypes associated with hegemonic masculinities. It aims to create and implement a structured intervention programme, which will be built on the basis of a previously constructed documentary on the theme. The programme will be implemented with 25 boys, aged between 13 and 18, sheltered in the Educational Centres of Santo António (Oporto) and Santa Clara (Vila do Conde) and in the Professional Institute of Terço (Oporto).
What will it achieve?
- To create and implement a structured intervention program, with 25 boys, between 13 and 18 years old, institutionalized in the Educational Centres of Santo António (Porto) and Santa Clara (Vila do Conde) and in the Professional Institute of Terço (Porto).To create a documentary to understand gender as a social construction that influences the way interpersonal relationships are structurally constructed; masculinities, considering their broad impact on boys'' development, adopting a developmental perspective (e.g., social learning processes by observing role models) and an intersectional perspective (transversal line of ENIND), considering masculinities as plural and diverse. The documentary will be made in collaboration with Bagabaga Studios and will be subtitled in English and made available online, on the project''s website.
- To organise debates, using the screening of the documentary film, in the 32 partner schools, with a total of 1840 young people (920 boys and 920 girls) aged between 13 and 18, in the municipalities of Porto, Matosinhos, Vila Nova de Gaia, Gondomar, Braga, Águeda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Guimarães, and Barcelos.
Training teachers and NGOs, with a view to replicating the programme in the future.
To provide consultancy to the professionals trained with a view to replicating the programme.
Raising awareness among strategic audiences.
Summary of project results
This project aimed to tackle gender stereotypes that limit boys'' personal and professional choices. Many young men avoided careers or studies seen as "feminine" due to social expectations, leading to gender segregation in education and the job market. This project challenged these norms by promoting a more open view of masculinity, encouraging boys to explore diverse interests and career paths without fear of discrimination or social pressure.
By addressing stereotypes, the project aimed to combat inequality and workplace discrimination, creating opportunities for boys to develop freely and fully. It sought to break rigid ideas of masculinity that often pressured men into dominant or emotionally restricted roles.
This project carried out various activities to challenge gender stereotypes and promote gender equality, reaching multiple municipalities across Portugal. It established an international partnership with the Center for Equality in Norway and collaborated with 48 national institutions, including 34 schools, 9 institutions, and 5 NGOs. The project focused on preventing discrimination and raising awareness about gender roles, particularly addressing issues such as workplace segregation, the feminization of care work, and work-life balance for men.
To achieve its goals, the project implemented several key activities. It developed prevention and protection mechanisms for young people, particularly regarding the spread of hate speech online (e.g., manosphere content). It conducted exploratory interviews with experts, focus groups with young people, and produced a documentary and a facilitation manual. Additionally, it organized awareness campaigns, training for professionals, and roadshows in schools, encouraging critical reflection on masculinity and gender equality. The project also engaged digital platforms and social media to expand its impact and reach younger audiences.
“MaRvel: Masculinidades (Re)veladas” project achieved significant results in promoting gender equality and challenging stereotypes associated with masculinity. Through structured activities, it directly benefited young people aged 13 to 18, professionals in education and social intervention, and the general public. The project conducted a needs assessment to understand the target audience and evaluate the program''s implementation, developed pedagogical resources such as a documentary and a training manual, and delivered a structured program in six sessions with boys and young people.
In terms of impact, the project trained 183 professionals (148 females and 35 males) across 15 training actions, equipping them to address gender issues in educational and social contexts. It also reached 1,924 young people through a nationwide school roadshow, where the documentary was shown and discussed in 98 sessions across 16 schools and one Educational Center. Additionally, the project contributed to scientific discourse by participating in an international panel at the EFPSA Congress. In total, it engaged 1,948 young people, and 332 individuals in awareness-raising actions, and had a positive impact on deconstructing gender stereotypes, and fostering more inclusive perspectives on masculinity.
Summary of bilateral results
The project strengthened bilateral relations through a key partnership with the Norwegian entity Likestillingssenteret (Center for Equality Hamar). This collaboration played a crucial role in various project stages, ensuring an exchange of expertise and best practices. The Norwegian team contributed to the construction of the documentary, helping with character selection and defining key themes. They also assisted in developing a program for young people in Children and Youth Homes (LIJ) and helped design the facilitation manual and methodology for school roadshows. Regular meetings between the Portuguese and Norwegian teams fostered critical reflection and discussions on both theoretical and practical aspects of the project. The final materials, including an English-subtitled documentary and a translated manual, were shared with the Norwegian partners, enabling them to implement similar activities in Norway. This exchange contributed to the long-term sustainability of the project and strengthened international cooperation in the fight against gender stereotypes.