Power, Peace, Poetry. Women's Perspectives on Society's Divisions

Europe is in a time of profound transformation. As a consequence, divisions in society are growing, including stereotyping and criticism of minorities or those who are perceived being different. Women’s rights and the advances towards gender equality are under threat. Adult educators and staff of educational organisations need to be proactive and to respond appropriately when these issues arise both in the physical and online learning and environment and in learning materials. This applies to certain contents, but also to the handling of situations in which, for example, feelings of uncertainty or powerlessness may arise.This project aims to improve this situation by supporting and enhancing educational practice that explores gender equality in a clear, peaceful, and democracy-sensitive manner. This will be achieved in two ways: By empowering women and men to explore and express their perspectives, perceptions, questions, and hopes resulting in a series of stories that can be widely used. By developing a Guide to Making the Case for Gender Equality. The stories and guide will be developed during two 5 day exchanges of good practice, designed to enhance educators’ skills in working with disadvantaged learners in the area of civic education. Direct online and offline activities will bring learners from partner organisations in five European countries together to test the educators’ methods, and increase their skills and knowledge in civic education, critical thinking, and intercultural dialogue. They will also experience what is possible through participating in a European project and build relationships that will endure beyond the project. All outcomes will be documented on the project's website, thus widely accessible.Ongoing monitoring and evaluation activities will ensure high-quality results. It is expected that the non-formal methods will be applied in the participating institutions and beyond at the local and regional levels and in the case of some institutions at national and international levels. It is also expected that the Making the Case for Gender Equality Guide will attract broad interest. Educators and project managers will increase their European networks. Learners will be confident in participating in community and public discourse on this issue. They will be motivated to engage in the struggle for gender equality, democracy, and human rights even in times of crisis.