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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.