The goal of this project was to promote gender equality norms through enhancing the capacities of young people, both mobilization of young people to engage in community development and civic life in the region of Gjakova, Gjilan and Dragash. The main topics of this project have included: the prevention of gender-based violence, the body of men and women, men/women and contraception, maternity, paternity and care, understanding the cycle of violence, breaking the silence to get help, steps toward change, decision-making and substance abuse, negotiation skills, and participation in community work and other topics as foreseen in the Manual for young boys and girls. These topics were discussed during five residential trainings, five cycles of sessions in schools, sixteen small projects in community service, a leadership camp and two round-table discussion. The project has helped shape and positively change social behavior regarding gender equality. ‘Now, I have started to see things from a different perspective when it comes to violence first because I believe that there is only one kind of violence” says one of the girls who participated in the training sessions. A young man says: “I thought that some work may be performed only by men and some only by women, I have learned how to counterargument these statements. “
This project has contributed to the following Sustainable Development Goals: