Various ways to equality

Description

The Various Ways to Equality project is focused on prevention and educational activities in primary and secondary schools mainly in the Prešov Self-Government Region and the realization of two infotainment campaigns. The goals of these activities are increasing the awareness of students and the general public about gender equality, combating negative gender stereotypes, promoting equal representation of women in decision-making processes and political participation, and promoting balance between professional and personal life with all genders.

Summary of project results

The project Various Ways to Equality addressed critical societal challenges, including:

• Gender Inequality: Raising awareness about gender equality and the elimination of negative gender stereotypes, particularly among young people and the general public.
• Women’s Underrepresentation: Promoting proportional representation of women in decision-making processes and encouraging political participation.
• Work-Life Balance: Advocating for a balance between professional and private lives for both men and women.
• Gender-Based Violence: Increasing awareness and activism against gender-based violence through public campaigns.

The project sought to foster a more equitable society by engaging young people, educators, local governments, and the broader public.

The project delivered a variety of educational, awareness-raising, and community-focused activities:

Educational Activities:

• Developed three sets of educational materials:
  1. For girls and boys in primary and secondary schools, focusing on gender equality.
  2. For teachers, including methodologies for discussing gender equality topics with students.
• Implemented informal education in 18 schools, reaching over 1,192 students aged 13 to 18 years, including 5 schools with students from marginalized Roma communities.

Awareness Campaigns:

• Conducted FemFest campaigns featuring concerts, film screenings, and public readings focused on gender equality.
• Organized activities as part of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, held annually in November and December.

Media and Outreach:

• Created a 30-minute documentary, Various Ways to Equality, showcasing project activities, ideals, and goals while promoting donor contributions.
• Produced three short videos and placed citylight posters in Prešov and Košice to disseminate information on gender equality and gender-based violence.

Community and Policy Engagement:

• Developed a handbook on gender-sensitive budgeting for municipal governments, accompanied by a workshop with local representatives and female activists.
• Delivered workshops on Working with Community, focusing on methods to enhance public involvement in decision-making processes.

Digital Presence:

• Redesigned the MyMamy website (UX/UI) to improve accessibility and communication regarding gender-based violence.

Results and Impacts:

1. Youth Engagement:

   • Over 1,000 students participated in informal educational activities, developing a deeper understanding of gender equality and related topics.
   • Educational materials were made available to teachers and students, providing tools for sustained learning.

2. Community and Public Awareness:

   • Six campaign events (FemFest and 16 Days of Activism) reached the general public, fostering awareness about gender equality and combating violence against women.
   • The documentary Various Ways to Equality serves as a long-term educational and promotional tool, disseminating project values and goals.

3. Municipal and Activist Involvement:

   • Local governments and activists were engaged through workshops and resources, such as the handbook on gender-sensitive budgeting, equipping them with knowledge to implement inclusive policies.

4. Digital Impact:

   • The redesigned MyMamy website improved access to information and resources for individuals seeking help with gender-based violence.

Beneficiaries:

• Primary and Secondary School Students: 1,192 students gained critical knowledge on gender equality.
• General Public: Participants of campaigns and community events developed greater awareness of gender equality issues.
• Municipal Representatives and Activists: Received tools and training to promote gender-inclusive policies.
• Survivors of Violence: Benefited from improved communication and accessibility via the redesigned MyMamy website.

This project stands as a model for combining education, public awareness, and policy advocacy to address systemic gender inequalities and violence effectively.