Warriors against Gender-based Violence

Group of experienced NGOs from Lithuania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Spain joined forces to provide tools, knowledge and education activities for youth workers to stand up against gender based violence (GBV). Partners addressed the need of every young person who encountered or is at risk of experiencing any form of gender-based violence and seeks for help. Safe spaces approach is our project solution for youth workers, bystanders and young people – main target group of the project. We addressed demands of youth worker of constant improvement and innovation to support the dynamic and vibrant needs of target groups - young people. Open and prepared youth workers should meet young person need for personal support, understanding and education not only in formal manners but also in questions of self-awareness, self-knowledge, as well as interpersonal relationships and boundaries, experiencing violence in their lives. During 2 years team developed online platform - safe space for young people where they can learn to identify GBV, get empowered to support victims of GBV, gain broader understanding about forms and spread of GBV and. Digital tools in 5 languages developed in easy to use formats for further usage by young people globally

The Warriors project contributed to the fight against gender-based violence in several, we believe, very important and sometimes overlooked aspects: - connecting and uniting organizations, working in the field; both equipping them with new tools, providing them with new opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration, exposing them to different problems and solutions than the ones they face daily. - working with young people on understanding what gender-based violence is, as well as recognizing it with more ease, as well as acting against it; empowering young people to be proactive parts of supportive communities, as well as agents - warriors - for positive change and combating violence; - promoting and expanding on the concept of safe space and its potential broad uses, reliant on some of the pillars of youth work like open communication, lack of judgement, support through community, empathy and engagement. Warriors against GBV, above all else, aimed to promote community and empowerment through communication and exchange - both on the individual, and on an organizational level. Through the project platform young people and youth organizations now have safe space for doing so.

Project unfolded in 5 distinct activity groups: A1 Management and Coordination A2 Development of PR1 - Warrior platform for organizations and individuals including the creation of the quizzes for self-assessment, the establishment of online spaces both for organizations, youth, community-building, safe spaces, as well as project results. A3 Development of PR2 - Guide with best practices for youth work in the field of combating GBV A4 Creation of PR3 - Methodology for creating and operating safe spaces online and offline aimed mostly at youth workers, inviting them to explore the subject of safe spaces, to learn a new methodology and appropriately use it in their everyday activities, as well as to participate in the Warriors platform to support young people from across Europe. A5 Face-to-face meetings, online and offline dissemination of information related to the project, as well as maintenance of social media.

The Warriors project successfully realized its objectives, surpassing some of its initial targets. The outcomes of the project were multi-dimensional and focused on key areas: -Enhancing Partner Organizations: The project significantly boosted the capacity, skills, knowledge, and motivation of organizations involved in youth work. This enhancement enabled them to address the challenges of gender-based violence among young people more effectively. -Quality of Services and Practices: There was an improvement in the services and practices of organizations in 4 EU countries working to combat GBV with young people, especially organizations with which we worked directly throughout the project implementation. The project introduced access to better methods and best practices, tailoring services to the specific needs of young individuals. Awareness and Understanding: The project played a crucial role in increasing awareness and understanding of gender-based violence among both victims and perpetrators. It provided education and resources, fostering an environment conducive to prevention and intervention. Building a Sustainable Community: A key achievement was the creation of a sustainable community within the EU, actively engaged in addressing gender-based violence. This community is expected to continue its efforts well beyond the project's timeline. Expanding Impact: The project facilitated awareness-raising, shared best practices, and fostered collaboration, amplifying the impact of ongoing efforts against gender-based violence. Supporting Global Goals: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals #4, #5, and #16, the project contributed to these objectives through local and international cooperation that extends past the project's duration. Adherence to EU and Erasmus+ Goals: The project also focused on environmental sustainability and principles of inclusion and diversity, aligning with broader EU and Erasmus+ objectives. In summary, the Warriors project formed a comprehensive strategy to combat gender-based violence, improving organizational capabilities, building supportive communities, enhancing awareness, and aligning with societal goals, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and diversity.