Workshops with Teens, Parents & Educators Yield Transformative Insights to Prevent Gender-Based Violence
The LoveAct campaign recently concluded a series of co-creation workshops across Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Belgium, France and Lithuania, engaging teenagers, parents, and educators in meaningful discussions around sexuality education, healthy relationships, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. The workshops provided a platform for these groups to share their perspectives and co-develop messages that will shape the upcoming awareness campaign.
Workshop Insights & Results
The workshops with teenagers focused on fostering open discussions about relationships, consent and self-identity. Teens actively engaged in deconstructing media stereotypes, exploring body positivity, and discussing the importance of mutual respect in relationships. They highlighted the need for safe spaces to express their identities and share personal experiences.
Parents explored strategies to promote open communication about sensitive topics like sexuality and relationships. They identified common challenges, such as discomfort and misinformation, and worked on practical approaches to address them. The workshops emphasized the role of parents as key facilitators of early, ongoing conversations and advocates for their children’s healthy development.
Educators focused on integrating culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches into their teaching practices. The workshops provided tools to address sensitive topics in the classroom, foster inclusivity, and support students from diverse backgrounds. Educators also discussed strategies for collaborating with parents and other community stakeholders to reinforce positive messages and ensure a consistent learning environment.
What’s Next for LoveAct
The journey of LoveAct continues as it deepens its commitment to promoting positive sexuality education and fostering healthier, more inclusive communities. Building on the valuable insights from the workshops, LoveAct will focus on empowering individuals and groups to create environments where respect, understanding, and open dialogue thrive. The next steps will involve further collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that the tools and knowledge gained are effectively utilized to prevent Gender-Based Violence and support the well-being of all, and will be shared with the public on the 6th of February.
About LoveAct
Love Act – Living positive and intersectional sexuality education for gender-based violence prevention is a European Union co-funded project (funded by DG JUST CERV Daphne programme, Project Number: 101094068 – LOVEACT, 01/03/2023 – 28/02/2025) dedicated to preventing Gender-Based Violence through the promotion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education. Led by CESIE (Italy, coordinator) together with the partners:
Elan Interculturel (France)
Symplexis (Greece)
DDG (Lithuania)
The Square Dot Team (Belgium)
CSI (Cyprus)
Intered (Spain)
UPV/EHU (Basque Countries)
The project empowers teenagers, parents, and educators with knowledge and tools to build safe and healthy relationships. LoveAct aims to create a future free from GBV by fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and informed decision-making.
You can visit the project’s website for more information: https://thegendertalk.eu/
For more information, please contact: justice@cesie.org