The “GEM” Youth Exchange was designed to increase young people’s awareness of the gender gap in mass media and representation, aiming to challenge gender stereotypes and prevent sexist behaviors. The project highlighted the significant impact of mass media and social media on young people’s perceptions, emphasizing how stereotypical portrayals—such as men being strong and women being weak—reinforce discrimination, cyber harassment, and gender inequalities, particularly among youth. Through their participation, young people reflected on the real impact of sexism and gender discrimination in media on their lives and societies, while promoting human rights, gender equality, and the responsible use of the internet.
The project was implemented in three main phases. During the preparation phase, partners collaborated to organize the exchange and prepare participants by addressing practical aspects and introducing them to the project’s topics. During the implementation phase, participants engaged in non-formal education activities, became familiar with tools such as Youthpass, and exchanged cultural perspectives. Through thematic workshops, they explored issues of gender inequality and discrimination in social media, television, and newspapers, analyzing how stereotypes shape perceptions and discussing ways to promote equality in communication.
As a result of the learning process, participants created creative outputs such as flash mobs, short documentaries, and artistic performances to communicate the project’s messages. At the same time, they developed teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills, while fostering respect for diversity and different viewpoints. Participants also took active roles in organizing activities, including energizers and cultural presentations, enhancing intercultural learning.
In the final phase, participants disseminated the project results within their local communities by presenting their work and sharing outcomes. Through articles, social media posts, and awareness-raising actions, they contributed to increasing public awareness on gender equality in media and encouraged more young people to participate in Erasmus+ programmes and further explore the topic.