NARR(ACT)IVE: Deconstruct and Decolonize narratives for gender equality

The project aimed to promote the integration process outlined in Article 79, paragraph 4 of the TFEU, grounded in the principle of non-discrimination and aligned with the European Commission’s 201...

The project aimed to promote the integration process outlined in Article 79, paragraph 4 of the TFEU, grounded in the principle of non-discrimination and aligned with the European Commission’s 2016 Action Plan (revised in 2020 -> 2021-2027 action plan) on integration and inclusion. It sought to foster education and social inclusion by equipping key target groups—particularly professionals in the communication sector—with both theoretical and practical competencies in gender-sensitive approaches. The goal was to strengthen their capacity to identify, address, and counteract gender stereotypes through impactful, replicable educational tools. By enhancing participants' understanding of gender dynamics and the influence of language and media in shaping perceptions, the project aimed to support the creation of a new narrative on gender equality, one balanced and inclusive, in order to promote women's full enjoyment of rights, empower them in public and private spheres, and break down the persistent stereotypes that hinder gender justice across European societies.

A1: The first phase consisted in a Training of Trainers (ToT) & Replication, composed of theory sessions and exercises, held at QDM, in Paris, with the participation of 3 workers from CEFA and 3 from Jovesolides. Within this activity QDM with JS and CEFA’s support, created a handbook aimed at transferring knowledge and expertise to the trainers on gender-based and decolonial approaches to changing the current narrative on gender equality. In the second phase, 1 training workshop was held in each partner country, targeting professionals working in the field of communication. A2: Narrathon: a communication campaign to fight gender-based stereotypes was implemented through three creative workshops, one in each partner country. Each workshop involved around 10 communication professionals, with a contribution of women with a migrant background especially in France and Spain. The aim was to co-create a campaign that challenges gender stereotypes in public discourse. A3: Dissemination events to raise awareness of the topics addressed by the project and its outputs; 3 held at regional/local level in each of the partner countries. The final event in Italy was the bigger one to which all partners participated.

R1: The competencies of partner organisations on gender equality and decolonial practices have been improved through the creation of outputs such as the handbook elaborated by QDM in occasion of the ToT (A1). The handbook represented a guide and a starting point for the training and was disseminated through partners’ main channel of communication, remaining available for download. Using the methodology from the ToT, 4 participatory workshops were held in each partner country (2 in It, 1 in Fr and 1 in ES), training 37 communication professionals in total R2: Creation of a communication campaign to deconstruct narratives that discriminate against women. It resulted in 3 different communication outputs, one for each partner country, co-created by 37 people WFC and women with migrant backgrounds who were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement the campaign. R3: 3 dissemination events were held in Italy, Spain and France reaching approximately 350 citizens, local officials and relevant stakeholders. These events raised awareness about the project’s themes and promoted the campaign outputs, which remain publicly accessible for further use in awareness-raising efforts.