As we reach Day 14 of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, today’s theme centres on one of the most powerful forces for change: youth empowerment. Young people have the passion, creativity, and energy to be the champions of gender equality that the world desperately needs. By engaging young people in activism and prevention efforts, we can build a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated.

In this blog, we’ll explore how empowering young people can drive meaningful change, share educational tools and programs that engage them in activism, and offer ways schools and youth organisations can get involved.

Why Youth Empowerment is Essential

The fight against gender-based violence is multi-generational. However, to achieve lasting cultural and societal change, we must empower young people to become leaders in the movement for gender equality. Here’s why youth empowerment is critical:

1. Shaping Attitudes Early: The beliefs and behaviours young people develop in their formative years will shape the future of our society. Empowering them with education on gender equality, respect, and consent ensures they grow up rejecting harmful gender norms and behaviours.
2. Challenging Norms: Young people are often the ones who challenge outdated societal norms and push for progress. Their voices can disrupt generational cycles of discrimination, sexism, and violence.
3. Creating Future Leaders: By empowering young people, we’re investing in the future. Young people who champion gender equality today will grow into the leaders, policymakers, and influencers of tomorrow, driving real change in their communities and beyond.

Educational Tools and Programs to Empower Young People

To foster the next generation of gender equality advocates, we must equip them with the right tools, resources, and education. Here are some impactful programs and resources that help engage youth in activism and prevention:

1. Gender Equality Education Programs

Incorporating gender equality education into school curriculums is a key step in building awareness and fostering respect. These programs teach young people about gender stereotypes, the impact of violence, and how to challenge harmful attitudes. Many organisations offer ready-made educational modules that can be integrated into classroom lessons.

• The United Nations’ HeForShe Campaign offers resources to engage young people in gender equality discussions and encourages them to take action within their schools and communities.
• Plan International has created the “Girls Get Equal” campaign, which focuses on promoting gender equality through education, activism, and leadership development for young people.
• Equaliteach – Outside the Box is a resource for those working with young people from Early Years through to Key Stage 5, supporting them to promote gender equality throughout their settings and tackle sexism and sexual harassment.
• Amnesty International offers six lessons focused on women’s rights and gender equality, including gender stereotyping, online gender based violence and women and unpaid care work. They also have online courses confronting and countering genera based violence and combating gender based violence online. 

2. Consent and Healthy Relationships Workshops

Teaching young people about consent and healthy relationships is crucial in preventing gender-based violence. Schools and youth organisations can host workshops that focus on respect, communication, and boundaries in relationships. These workshops empower young people to make informed choices and to call out harmful behaviours in their peer groups.

• Brook’s Consent Workshops in the UK help young people understand the importance of consent, both in intimate relationships and everyday interactions. These workshops can be tailored to different age groups and learning levels.
• Women’s Aid Expect Respect is a free training programme we offer to schools and universities to educate young people about unhealthy relationships.
• Salus Group in Kent offers the Healthy Empowering Relationship Advisory Service which is targeted 1:1 and group support for young women and gender diverse individuals with a focus on healthy relationships.

3. Youth-Led Activism Campaigns

Empowering young people to lead their own activism campaigns helps them take ownership of the gender equality movement. From organising school assemblies to creating social media movements, youth-led activism can spark dialogue and influence change among their peers.

• Girl Up, a global leadership development initiative by the United Nations Foundation, encourages young girls to start advocacy campaigns focused on gender equality, access to education, and ending violence against women.
• Amnesty International’s Youth, Power, Action! Global Children and Youth Strategy provides young activists with the tools and guidance they need to campaign on issues related to human rights and gender-based violence.
• Fairness, Respect, Equality & Dignity (FRED) is a youth-led campaign that was set up in 2020 by young people. It is run by young volunteers through social action projects and high quality youth volunteering. 

4. Peer Support and Mentorship

Creating peer support groups and mentorship programs allows young people to connect with others who are passionate about ending gender-based violence. These programs offer safe spaces for discussions, sharing experiences, and collectively working toward solutions. Youth mentoring can also provide guidance and support to young people who wish to become more involved in activism.

How Schools and Youth Organisations Can Get Involved

Schools and youth organisations play a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes of young people and equipping them with the knowledge to fight for gender equality. Here’s how they can take part in youth empowerment efforts:

1. Integrate Gender Equality into Curriculums

By incorporating gender equality education into core subjects like social studies, history, and health, schools can foster an environment where respect and equality are woven into everyday learning. Assignments, projects, and discussions can focus on gender issues, and schools can invite guest speakers to discuss topics like consent and gender-based violence prevention.

2. Host Awareness Events

Schools can host Gender Equality Days, where students learn about the importance of equal rights and the impact of gender-based violence. These events could include guest speakers, student-led presentations, and workshops on gender norms, stereotypes, and how to be an ally.

• Schools could also participate in global movements like International Women’s Day or the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, giving students a platform to voice their thoughts on these critical issues.

3. Create Safe Spaces

It’s essential for schools and youth organisations to establish safe spaces where young people feel comfortable discussing gender-based violence, consent, and related topics. Counsellors or trained staff can provide support, and peer groups can be formed to encourage open conversations about equality, relationships, and activism.

4. Support Student Activism

Encouraging students to take leadership roles in gender equality clubs or activism projects can empower them to become advocates for change. Schools can support these initiatives by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for students to share their activism work with the broader community.

Encouraging Conversations About Gender Equality

To empower young people effectively, we need to foster open and ongoing conversations about gender equality, respect, and boundaries – both in schools and at home. Here are some ways to start those conversations:

• Engage Parents: Parents play a crucial role in teaching young people about respect and equality. Schools can organise parent workshops to educate families about consent, healthy relationships, and the impact of gender-based violence. Not all teachers feel comfortable talking to students about consent and sexual relationships. Talk Consent and other similar education service providers can help with workshops and assemblies that are easy to book and delivered by engaging and relatable facilitators.
• Create Discussion Groups: Schools and youth organisations can create discussion groups or forums where young people can openly discuss issues of gender, consent, and equality. These groups encourage young people to think critically about these topics and take action.

The Role of Young People in Shaping the Future

Young people are not only the future leaders of tomorrow – they are the change-makers of today. By empowering them to challenge harmful gender norms, call out inequality, and advocate for gender-based violence prevention, we’re planting the seeds for a world that truly values and upholds gender equality.

On Day 14 of the 16 Days of Activism, let’s commit to giving young people the education, support, and resources they need to champion gender equality. Together, we can build a future free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.

How To Get Help

Nationally there are a range of helplines available, including (but not limited to):-

• The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247
• Victim Support –  24 hour Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111 or start a live chat any time
• Respect – the helpline for male victims of domestic abuse – Freephone 0808 8010327
• Mankind Initiative – confidential helpline on 01823 334244 open Monday – Friday 10am to 4pm
• Galop helpline for LGBTQ+ people experiencing any kind of abuse or violence – 0800 999 5428
• Karma Nirvana for honour based abuse – UK Helpline: 0800 5999 247
• NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Other useful contacts:-

• Suzy Lamplugh Trust / National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300 

If in any circumstance you are in danger, please always call 999 and get immediate help.