The workshop aimed at examining how non-formal education with gender perspective can empower young people to challenge gender stereotypes and facilitate their personal, social and economic fulfillment and participation in family, society and the workforce. The thematic concepts of gender perspective, gendered norms and empowerment was illustrated by best practice examples of Nordic-Baltic NGO cooperation and the local project initiatives on the Åland Islands. The importance of individual empowerment was highlighted also in respect to such labour market related risks as sexual harassment and trafficking.
The workshop participants were engaged in interactive discussions and exercises used in practical work with teenagers in the frame of the girl and boy group activities and the ‘Fair Sex’ workshops.
Finally, a report on women and men in the Union of the Baltic Cities 2013 was presented by Jennie Brandén from the city of Umeå and the UBC Commission on Gender Equality. The report highlights the importance of a continuous work to promote gender equality and need for further action in the UBC. The report that is available at ubc.net, is to be used practically in all the work of the UBC.
