On 15th of January deepening training for the girl and boy group leaders were held on Åland within the project "Challenging Gender Roles for Prevention of Trafficking". The project is implemented in close partnership with Riga-based Resource Center for Women "Marta" and aims to implementing the unique Nordic Girl and Boy Group method, which provide self worth and autonomy, empowerment and equality among youths. During the deepening training the leaders learned about gender, masculinities and femininities; the significance of sexuality and power relations between the sexes in youth relations as well as violence, threats of violence and the normalization process (living and practice violence). They also saw short films on the topic gender stereotypes and gender norms in the society.
The second part of the deepening training will be conducted at 25th (girls group leaders) and 26th (boy group leader) of January. Then the leaders will have the opportunity to discuss methodology, improve their knowledge on gender equality and learn about conflict resolution.
Currently there are two boys groups and four girls groups on Åland which together reach 41 teenagers from Hammarland, Lemland and Mariehamn.
The Project “Challenging Gender Roles for Prevention of Trafficking” is financed within the framework of the INTERREG IV Programme of the European Regional Development Fund with National co-financing provided by the Government of Åland.
Program, Deepening training 15th of January
Theme: gender, masculinity and femininity
– How is gender preformed?
– The importance of sexuality and the shift of power between the sex in youth relations
– Violence, threats of violence and the normalization process (everyday violence exercise)
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Screening of two short movies
– Discussion regarding boys and girls acting space
14.00 To run a girl or boy group:
– Case study and reflection exercise
15.15 Coffee break
15.30 Exchange of experiences and tutoring