In May 2023, I co-facilitated the second edition of IOGGA – Inside Out: Growing Gender Awareness, a week-long international training course held in Budapest and hosted by Anthropolis Egyesület. This training brought together 28 youth professionals from seven countries—Albania, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Spain, and the State of Palestine—who shared a common commitment to promoting gender equality and creating more inclusive communities for young people.
The aim of the training was to support youth workers, educators, and social actors in deepening their understanding of gender and power dynamics—personally, socially, and institutionally. We worked to equip participants with the tools and competences needed to identify and challenge gender stereotypes, design inclusive educational activities, and implement local actions aligned with the values of equality, dignity, and participation.
Through the use of non-formal education, the learning journey focused on both personal reflection and practical action. Participants explored their own perceptions and biases through storytelling, participatory theatre, and visual mapping. They engaged in group discussions, case study analysis, and world café-style conversations to better understand how gender plays out in different cultural contexts. Simulation games and interactive exercises challenged assumptions and strengthened facilitation skills, while action planning sessions helped participants design their own local follow-up initiatives.
The international team of trainers ensured an inclusive and intercultural environment, while also grounding the process in emotional safety, creativity, and critical thinking. The diversity of the group—from youth workers and teachers to psychologists and activists—added depth to the dialogue and allowed for rich peer learning.
The impact of IOGGA 2 was tangible. After the training, participants implemented gender-focused activities in their home communities, collectively reaching over 180 young people through workshops, campaigns, and educational events. These actions helped carry the project’s message forward, adapting it to different local realities. The project also made its mark online—its Facebook page reached over 2,400 users, generating interest, sharing resources, and building visibility around gender equality in youth work.
Beyond the numbers, IOGGA 2 created space for meaningful transformation—for the individuals who joined, the organizations they represent, and the young people they work with. It reaffirmed the importance of safe spaces, intersectional perspectives, and ongoing learning when addressing gender in youth education.
