Taking part in the second training session of the F.E.V.E.R. Tools for Change project was a key milestone in our training programme on preventing and combating gender based violence.

This experience enabled us to explore complex and urgent issues, such as the analysis of rape culture and the study of various national policies to combat it. Through dialogue with practitioners, activists and psychologists from seven European countries, we consolidated essential practices, from the culture of consent to self-defence, right through to the role of informed allies in supporting marginalised individuals.

On this occasion, we presented the results of the survey conducted by the IGNet network on the prevention of gender based violence in the youth sector. Analysing this data with other professionals was a valuable opportunity, it became clear how the perception of the phenomenon is often far removed from reality, confirming the need to take action for real change.

The training was an important opportunity to return home with new tools and ideas, ready to translate the survey results into the development of educational programmes to raise awareness of the issue, and into the creation of guidelines and protocols to prevent and address any cases, with the aim of strengthening the role of organisations in combating gender based violence, a goal our network aims to achieve by 2026.

The F.E.V.E.R. project, coordinated by the association Solidarités Jeunesses and supported by the Erasmus+ programme, saw the participation of other members of the IGNet network, including Casa da Juventude de Amarante, which hosted the training.