“Things that we do not see” – Invisible representations and social performances of gender stereotypes, discrimination, and violence in all areas of life: experiential/interconnected strategies, techniques, and tools for addressing them.
The seminars aimed to inform, sensitize, and empower youth workers with specialized knowledge, skills, and methodological tools to critically process and reflect on gender issues in contemporary society. Topics included gender stereotypes, discrimination, gender-based violence, sexism, misogyny, toxic masculinity, femicide and others.
The seminars were designed to deconstruct gender stereotypes and promote a new era of gender equality through education by giving participants the opportunity to realize and reflect on how these stereotypes construct within us – unconsciously and invisibly – an entire pyramid of sexism, misogyny, gender toxicity, and violence. Furthermore, the goal was to invite participants to take actions (towards both themselves and society) to reconstruct this psychosocial structure.
They focused on professionals working with children, adolescents, and young in both public and private education emphasizing the importance of these educators in multiplying the knowledge gained.
The seminars were conducted online to maximize participation and reach rural areas in Greece. The four seminars included educators from across the country, prioritizing teachers from areas with limited access, such as Astypalea. Networking among participants, particularly university professors, was an additional benefit.
High interest and active participation confirmed a strong demand for gender equality education among youth educators. The project was successful, with encouraging feedback and higher-than-expected participation, highlighting the need for further education and community empowerment in gender equality.