ONE STEP CLOSER: GENDER LENS TO THE CLIMATE TRANSITION ON YOUTH WORK

<< Background >>Our project addressed key needs: * improving coordination between NGOs in gender and climate fields, * integrating gender into climate action and vice versa, and * enhancing cooperation among actors. It identified gaps in training content and capacity building for NGOs on gendered approaches to climate change. Partners required improved knowledge of adaptation, mitigation, and gender inequalities, along with tools to adopt EU, UN, and national policies. Sharing best practices and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities were also priorities. We also aimed to highlight the intersection of climate change and gender equality by addressing both the unique challenges faced by women and the transformative potential of their active participation. By building the capacity of youth workers and fostering collaboration between NGOs in the fields of climate and gender, the project seeks to create long-lasting synergies. Ultimately, the G-LENS project aspires to empower communities, ensure inclusive policymaking, and promote sustainable practices aligned with EU and UN priorities.<< Objectives >>The main goal was to strengthen the capacity of youth workers engaged in gender-focused and/or climate-focused NGOs by:* Enhancing their knowledge and understanding of gender-responsive climate action,* Contributing to the development of cooperation among NGOs working on women and climate issues,* Increasing the awareness of youth workers,* Conducting a mapping study, and* Ensuring that project partners shared good practices from Europe and the world.<< Implementation >>We implemented different types of activities:A. Project Meetings * Face-to-Face Meetings: Kick-off meeting in Bruxelles, Midterm meeting in Huelva * Project Coordination Meetings: Online management and implementation meeting among partnersB. Producing Project Outputs * Gender – Climate Mapping Analysis * Gender-responsive Climate Action Training Program for Youth Workers * Project websiteC. Collaboration Workshops in Partner CountriesD. Local Training for Youth Workers in Partner CountriesE. Dissemination and Visibility Activities << Results >>* A 32-hour Gender Response to Climate Action for Youth Workers Training Program consisting of 3 chapters and 12 modules was produced together with supporting materials and guidelines.* A mapping study was conducted with a total of 80 different CSOs from 4 countries.* A user-friendly and practical website was coded for the mapping study, which also includes information about the training program and the project. A digital map was created.* Collaboration workshops were organized in 4 countries (2 online, 2 face to face)* Local trainings were organized in 4 countries. A total of 76 participants from different organizations participated.* Cooperation and knowledge of youth workers and participating organizations in the fields of climate, gender equality, and youth work increased. * The needs of youth workers and organizations working in this field were better understood.* Many new local and international collaborations emerged and many steps were taken towards sustainability.* New job opportunities were created for young people or youth workers looking for a job during the trainings.