Resources

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. 

This is the Safe from sexual and gender-based violence (SfSGBV) toolkit. Its main purpose is to guide the delivery of sexuality education sessions that support young people at risk of marginalization to recognize and protect themselves from SGBV. The toolkit is designed for the use of experienced sexuality education educators. Equally, it is a valuable resource for young people interested to learn more about prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.   You can learn from the toolkit either through our interactive website or by downloading the resource below.