15/12/2024
Italy
participants
The primary aim of the "Gender in the Spotlight" initiative was to create a safe, inclusive environment for youth, focusing on raising awareness of gender-based discrimination and violence. This initiative aimed to challenge societal norms and empower individuals to actively contribute to a more inclusive society, both within ESN Italy and in their local communities. The objectives were to deepen volunteers' understanding of gender-related issues, provide them with the tools and training to combat discrimination effectively, and inspire them to take on leadership roles in promoting inclusion and equality.
Key activities of the initiative included organizing specialized workshops on gender topics, designed to equip volunteers with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to facilitate similar trainings in their local Sections. These workshops enabled participants to enhance their skills in delivering awareness-raising activities, with several ESN Italy volunteers organizing their own events and campaigns after attending. Another significant outcome was the development of ESN Italy’s Inclusion Strategy, a foundational document aimed at guiding and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion for years to come.
The initiative also sparked a noticeable shift in local engagement, with a marked increase in the number of awareness events and campaigns related to gender issues across the country. A key highlight was the heightened involvement of ESN Italy members in Pride Month activities. For the first time, ESN Italy participated in the Milan Pride Parade, organizing a float and showing a visible commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. This level of engagement demonstrated the growing recognition of gender inclusion as a priority within the organization, with local Sections actively participating in Pride events and advocating for change.
The initiative Gender in the Spotlight was created by ESN Italy to address the urgent need for greater awareness, inclusion, and action against gender-based violence and discrimination. This national campaign was launched in response to the growing recognition of the need for systemic change in both the student and wider communities, where issues related to gender inequality were often overlooked or ignored. Its main focus is to foster an inclusive, safe environment within ESN, while also creating ripple effects in the broader societal context.
As an Advocacy and Awareness Campaign, the initiative aimed to raise awareness about gender issues, educate on how to prevent gender-based violence, and promote equal rights and opportunities. Key objectives included providing training to volunteers, engaging local communities in dialogues around gender equality, and creating lasting partnerships with organizations like Arcigay and SISM. These collaborations were designed to amplify the message of gender inclusion and drive meaningful action across the Network.
The core activities of Gender in the Spotlight included national training sessions on topics such as intersectionality, consent, and how to foster inclusive environments. Volunteers were also encouraged to take part in local actions, such as awareness campaigns and workshops, often in collaboration with local youth organizations and gender equality groups. One example is a series of talks and workshops led by Arcigay, focused on LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion. The campaign also featured interactive digital content aimed at educating young people on gender issues, empowering them to challenge stereotypes and act as advocates for gender equality.
The campaign's success was largely due to the active involvement of ESN volunteers who took ownership of the project, integrating the principles of inclusion into their daily roles. Feedback from participants highlighted a sense of empowerment and a deeper understanding of how gender equality connects to other social issues, such as mobility, cultural exchange, and social inclusion.
The impact of the campaign is already visible, with many participants reporting a greater sense of responsibility towards fostering inclusivity in their local communities. Feedback from partner organizations and the wider community has been overwhelmingly positive, with several institutions expressing interest in collaborating further on related initiatives. In the long term, the initiative is expected to lead to more inclusive practices within ESN Italy and beyond, ensuring that gender equality remains at the forefront of advocacy efforts.
Looking ahead, Gender in the Spotlight will expand its reach, with plans to involve more international volunteers and continue developing the training materials, potentially creating a sustainable model for gender equality awareness in the context of student mobility programs. By deepening these partnerships and expanding the scope of activities, the initiative aims to ensure that the values of equality, inclusion, and respect continue to be embedded in every level of ESN’s work.
