It was a unique chance for the group leaders to meet each other, to share experiences and to discuss about the challenges of leading a group. By taking part in lectures, discussions, value based exercises and practical workshops the participants could develop a better understanding of the norm critical approach and the gender perspective, which is the basis of the girl and boy group method. In their evaluations the leaders also noted that they had gained new practical and theoretical knowledge of using the gender equality theory in boy and girl group activities, established new contacts as well as learned more about the gender equality situation and cultural differences in all the represented countries. The main wish for the future is to take part in similar trainings on a regular basis and to go on study visits to each other’s organizations. Many of the leaders also felt a need to improve their skills of working with boys as this type of youth activities is relatively new and the experiences in this field are still limited.
The symposium was arranged with the financial support from the European Commission, Emmaus Åland and Save the Children Åland.
