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Description
Gender inequality remains one of the most persistent challenges in the fight for human rights. In the EU, 1 of 3 women over the age of 15 has experienced physical and/or sexual violence, 1 of 2 women has been sexually harassed, 1 of 20 has been raped, and 95% of human trafficking victims are women (FRA, “Violence against women: an EU wide survey”, 2014). According to the 2019 Gender Equality Index, Romania is 25th in the EU in regards to the index of gender equality, with 54.5 points out of 100, 12.9 less than the EU average and with a slower progress than other member states. 1 out of 4 women has been physically or sexually assaulted by her partner at least once in her life (Gender Barometer, 2018). In 2018, almost 18.000 women have been hit by their partner and 48 have died (Decat o Revista), and the 2016 Eurobarometer tells us that 55% of Romanians agree that there are situations when nonconsensual sex is justified. Violence against women is a cause, but also a consequence of gender inequality (EIGE).
The project contributes to combating and preventing gender-based violence through education and involvement of young people in awareness raising campaigns regarding gender equality and equal treatment. 900 young people from high schools in Bucharest will benefit from educational modules on human rights and gender equality, and 100 of these will be involved in the development of street campaigns on gender inequality and violence. The project also consists in a research study undertaken among the young people in the project, an advocacy campaign and the monitoring of national policies and strategies on gender equality, especially the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in Romania.
Partner in the project is Necuvinte Association, one of the main organizations fighting discrimination, abuse and domestic violence in Romania, by directly supporting victims of domestic violence, as well as through educational projects and advocacy campaigns.
Summary of project results
Gender inequality remains one of the most persistent challenges in the struggle for human rights. The project aimed to promote gender equality and human rights for young people in Bucharest through awareness campaigns, street campaigns and advocacy.
As part of the project, an awareness campaign took place in 10 high schools in Bucharest where 107 workshops were organized for gender equality and gender violence (35 modules) where topics such as awareness of the consequences of gender stereotypes and prejudices were addressed and how they represent the foundations of gender inequality and violence; human rights in general, but especially with regard to gender equality and what are the legal instruments and mechanisms that can be used when this is violated and concrete actions that students can take at a personal level, but also at a community level when they are victims and/or witnesses of gender inequality and violence. This campaign reached 883 students. During the workshops, there was also research among the students to see how they relate to gender equality before and after the workshops. Also, 2 street campaigns were organized in Bucharest in 2021 and 2022, where more than 600 people were informed. A guide for gender equality called "The ABC of gender equality", 1 video spot and 1 audio spot broadcast on Europa FM, 1 large mural and 2 online campaigns to promote gender equality were created. The partner, the FRONT Association, organized several public consultation meetings that laid the foundations for the advocacy campaign organized in 2023 for the promotion and support of equal opportunity experts within educational institutions. Also, a report was created to monitor public policies in the education system, a fundraising campaign dedicated to the project was carried out and research was conducted to see the effect of the workshops on young people.
In terms of impact, the project aimed at developing a campaign to monitor the implementation of the Istanbul Convention that resulted in a lawsuit won with the Ministry of Investments and European Projects that blocked the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, a public policy monitoring report on gender equality and an advocacy campaign. Also, 883 students got in touch with information regarding the awareness of the consequences of gender stereotypes and prejudices during the workshops held.