How to take into account a gender perspective in youth activities?

There is no perfect recipe. The EYF asks NGOs to put their “gender glasses” on and think critically of the current ways of “doing things”. How does that action/activity/law affect people on the basis of their gender/gender identity? Are there any differences? Does it respond to the needs of everyone? How could it be changed to include the needs of everyone? What language is being used? Is gender-sensitive and inclusive language being used?  “They” instead of “he or she”; “chairperson” instead of chairman.

In more general terms, the “gender glasses” should be used in the planning, implementation and evaluation of an activity. Here are some questions/ideas to keep in mind when aiming to include a “gender perspective” into your project.

Planning

  • Do you plan a session or just some time to introduce and discuss gender with participants?
  • Does the topic/theme you address in your project affect everyone, regardless of gender, in the same way or not? Think about it from different angles to find out!
  • Do participants have different needs and how will you address them?
  • Will you develop activities and objectives in line with the needs of all genders?
  • Do the activities allow for equal active involvement of everyone, regardless of gender?
  • How are you representing gender roles in your activities? (For example what images are you showing?) Any stereotypes? Could gender roles be represented differently?
  • How does your planned budget reflect the needs of people of different genders?
  • Explain in your project application to the EYF all your efforts regarding gender perspective in your project! Every step in the right direction, however small, can make a big change!

Implementation

  • Is the project team gender balanced? What about the group of participants?
  • Do you have any experts/speakers contributing to your activity? Try to ensure diversity in their selection!
  • Are you working in partnership with another NGO? Choose partners that have the same values regarding gender equality, gender identity and sexual orientation issues.
  • Are you adapting the programme/activities (as planned in the planning phase) to respond to the needs of all participants and towards a significant participation of all individuals?
  • If you hand out material to participants, or ask them to prepare in advance, you can reference the European Youth Foundation Gender page (as an EYF supported organisation, you are encouraged to provide visibility for the Foundation and you have an obligation to mention the EYF support on any material produced with EYF funds).

Evaluation

  • Explain in your project report to the EYF all your efforts regarding gender issues! Don’t forget: every step in the right direction can make a big change!
  • Explain how you tried to ensure a gender perspective: activities done, language used, selection of experts, taking into account the needs, experience and expectations of participants, etc.
  • Were there any gender issues raised during the activity? Did the participants evaluate the project also from a “gender perspective”?