Escape from (Co)Dependency

Description

The project aims to provide gender-sensitive help to women while implementing gender sensitive prevention of substance and non-substance addiction and dependency in relationships or violence. Promoting and raising awareness of gender equality is thus not a dead end in itself, but will be implemented in direct connection with the prevention of the socio-pathological phenomena that women face because of gender stereotyped socialization, or when their gender stereotyped socialization is an obstacle to the solution

Summary of project results

The project "Escape from Co-Dependency" was designed to tackle significant social challenges related to gender equality, toxic relationships, and co-dependency among women and girls in Slovakia. The key issues addressed included:

• Co-Dependency and Toxic Relationships: Many women and girls were either experiencing or at risk of entering co-dependent and toxic relationships. These relationships often involved patterns of addiction, control, and abuse, with individuals lacking the awareness or resources to recognize and break free from these harmful dynamics.

• Gender Stereotypes and Inequality: Persistent negative stereotypes about women and men in both public and private life were reinforcing harmful behaviors and limiting opportunities for women and girls. These stereotypes contributed to a culture that normalizes dependency and overlooks the importance of healthy, equal relationships.

• Lack of Awareness and Education: There was a significant deficit in public understanding of the dynamics of co-dependency, toxic relationships, and gender-based violence. This lack of awareness hindered prevention efforts and left many without the necessary knowledge to seek help.

• Insufficient Support for Vulnerable Groups: Women and girls in marginalized communities, including those from marginalized Roma communities (MRC), faced additional barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education and support services. These factors increased their vulnerability to entering and remaining in harmful relationships.

The project aimed to create an environment that empowers women and girls to avoid falling into co-dependent and dependent relationships or to help them escape such situations if they were already affected. It sought to address these challenges through education, awareness-raising, and the provision of supportive resources.

Project Partners

The project was implemented by EsFem, an experienced organization active in promoting gender equality and providing educational programs. EsFem collaborated with two key partner organizations:

• Trojlístok, n.o.: An organization focusing on addressing addiction and providing support to individuals dealing with substance dependencies. Trojlístok contributed expertise in understanding the dynamics of addiction and co-dependency, offering valuable insights into breaking these cycles.

• MyMamy: An organization specializing in addressing violence against women and offering assistance to survivors of domestic abuse. MyMamy brought crucial experience in supporting women affected by gender-based violence and advocating for their rights.

By combining their expertise, the partners aimed to address the intersection of co-dependency, addiction, and gender-based violence. The collaboration sought to provide comprehensive support and education to women and girls, helping them recognize harmful patterns and empowering them to build healthier relationships.

The project implemented diverse activities targeting public education, direct support, and preventive interventions:

1. Workshops for Schools and the General Public:

   • Conducted 24 workshops in 17 schools, including 11 schools in marginalized Roma communities, reaching a total of 434 students (254 Roma).
   • Organized 6 public discussions on key topics such as toxic relationships, dependency behaviors, and gender-based violence.

2. Experiential Workshops for Women and Girls:

   • Facilitated 6 experiential workshops focusing on setting boundaries in relationships, with an additional 4 workshops designed for closed groups based on participant needs.

3. Development and Distribution of Educational Materials:

   • Created and distributed motivational materials, including student diaries, a women’s diary (HappyEndy), and card sets (Invisible Women and Unknown Slovak Women), aimed at raising awareness of gender equality and promoting positive role models.

4. Library Expansion and Systematization:

   • Expanded and reorganized the Gender Studies Library, making thematic resources more accessible to visitors, clients, and partner organizations.

5. Public Awareness Campaigns:

   • Conducted public events and radio programs to raise awareness of the connections between gender stereotypes, toxic relationships, and co-dependency.

6. Conferences and Collaborative Learning:

   • Organized an opening and closing conference to present the project’s outcomes and share experiences with stakeholders.

The project had significant outcomes for a wide range of beneficiaries:

For Students and Schools:

• Reached 434 students through workshops, with 254 students from marginalized Roma communities.
• Increased understanding of gender equality, as evidenced by improved attitudes measured in surveys before and after the sessions.

For the General Public:

• Enhanced awareness of the risks and signs of toxic relationships and co-dependency through public discussions and campaigns.
• Reached a broader audience through innovative educational tools, including diaries and card games that sparked conversations about gender roles.

For Women and Girls:

• Empowered participants of experiential workshops to recognize and address harmful dynamics in their relationships.
• Provided targeted support to women and girls in vulnerable situations, fostering personal growth and resilience.

For Stakeholders and Communities:

• Built capacity within schools and organizations to address issues of gender equality and relationship health through expanded educational resources.
• Strengthened networks of partners, enabling continued advocacy for gender equality and preventive education.