Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has profound implications for human development and the protection of fundamental rights. Growing evidence highlights that girls and LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately affected by dating violence, sexual violence, discrimination, and sexual harassment. In response, multiple school-based intervention programmes have been implemented to promote gender socialisation processes grounded in gender equality.
Schools occupy a privileged position and hold considerable transformative potential in the prevention of, and response to, SGBV. This perspective is echoed in key reference documents and legislation both at the EU level and in Portugal.
Nevertheless, the growing influence of conservative and populist movements is being reflected in counter-legislative proposals that undermine institutional and public support for integrating gender perspectives in education. The ideological instrumentalisation of gender equality and sexuality education, including the growing influence of social media in youth socialisation, constitutes one of the principal challenges currently confronting the implementation of gender-transformative programmes within school environments across Europe.
In this context, in 2022, IPPF EN initiated a 4-year project to analyse the effect of a gender transformative education programme on young people’s (age 14-15) attitudes regarding gender equality. IPPF's Portuguese Member Association, Associação Para o Planeamento da Família (APF), supported its implementation.
The project was made up of 3 phases: a baseline study; an intervention phase focused on testing a gender-transformative programme in schools; and a follow-up phase to assess the long-term effects of the progamme on students’ attitudes and behaviours regarding gender equality and the prevention of SGBV, as well as teachers’ experiences and competencies.
Our assessment generated promising findings about the positive impacts of the programme on young people's skills and knowledge to navigate topics related to gender equality, SGBV and sexual diversity, and on their interpersonal relationships and communication, as well as on teachers' ability to support and accompany them.
Download the report to read more about the study and its findings, including our programmatic and policy recommendations.
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Related Member Association
Associação Para o Planeamento da Família
Read more here about our work on bold transformative approaches that address the root causes of gender inequality.
This work is funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme which aims to protect and promote Union rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The programme will contribute to sustain and further develop open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies based on the rule of law.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are those of IPPF EN and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union or the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
