September 3rd to 5th the Åland Islands Peace Institute organizes a training for boy- and girl group leaders on Åland. The education is carried out within the INTERREG IV A project entitled "Challenging Gender Stereotypes for Prevention of Trafficking ". The project is implemented in close partnership with Riga-based Resource Center for Women "Marta", to work on implementing the unique Nordic Girl and Boy Group method, informing the wider audience about the importance of making the links between empowerment, gender equality and gender based crime, as well as scientifically researching the outcome.
The BG and GG groups provide the young people with a base from where they can form their own individual opinions on how to act and make choices in everyday life. Group work will lead to enhanced social skills and social networks, this strengthens the participants' possibilities to become active citizens and reduces the risk of them being marginalized.