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Re-Thinking Masculinity in Europe
We present our Re-Thinking Masculinity in Europe project financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program. As part of the project, an International Youth Exchange took place in Grudziądz, devoted to the search for new definitions of masculinity in Europe and ways of expressing male identity.
Partners
International Youth Exchange in Grudziądz
In May 2023, we met in Grudziądz at the International Youth Exchange. The participants came from as many as six organizations located in European countries: Institute for Prevention of Exclusions (Poland), Asociatia Se Poate (Romania), Au Carrefour de l'Europe (France), EuroMuevete (Spain), Social Hub (Bulgaria) and EuroTreviso ( Italy).
The aim of the project was to educate women and men about male stereotypes that function in Western European society through the patriarchal model of masculinity. Men themselves were to be made aware that asking for help was manly. The presence of women in the project was essential because they could help men understand that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Based on their own female experiences, they were able to sensitize men and show them that they can open up and talk honestly about their emotions. In turn, men could show women their perspectives, points of view and experiences. Men could exchange experiences about masculinity, mental health and their needs. On the other hand, women had the opportunity to develop their relationships with men in terms of experiencing emotions and mental health.
During the youth exchange, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences about the perception and practice of masculinity in their countries and their feelings about it. Workshops were held on stereotypes regarding masculinity, men's mental health and gender discrimination and equality. An important element of the exchange was recording videos of discussions during which participants answered previously unknown questions about their perception of masculinity and/or femininity, society's expectations regarding gender roles, and mental health. Moreover, participants created infographics in their national groups presenting issues related to masculinity in their countries. It was an extremely fruitful time full of impressions, emotions and newly gained experiences and knowledge.
Integracja
Dyskusja
Bezpieczna przestrzeń
Doświadczenia
Integracja
Dyskusja
Bezpieczna przestrzeń
Doświadczenia
Testimony
Check what our participants think about the "Re-Thinking Masculinity in Europe" project
Nicola Lombardo, 27
Pizzighettone, Italy
This project has been incredible. I would call it rare for how successful it was. Erasmus+ projects often lack something, it's not easy to organize well and it's human to make mistakes, but this was special, and profound on several levels. I think I'm starting from a good level of awareness of the topics covered, but I also think that I still have a bit to work on, I think and hope I have developed further means of communication to show empathy to various people I know and who live in a suffocating relationship with masculinity. Honestly, I would gladly participate in your other projects, indeed I would like to contribute actively.
María del Mar Palma Lucena, 25
Málaga, Spain
I'm grateful to have been able to participate in the project. I've learned a lot and above all, I feel that thanks to the diversity of the group and the different opinions, the experience has been greatly enriched. And yes, I recommend participating in projects with IPW, the work that is being done in Poland is very important.
Marina Aguilar Mora, 21
Málaga, Spain
I have improved my skills in working in a team, listening to others and further developed my empathy through the activities we have done. It has been an incredible and beautiful experience. I would highly recommend it because they get the participants involved in the cause and see not different cultures, but people. It has been enriching to know the different points of view of masculinity and how it is treated in each country, we have managed to look for possible solutions among all of us.
Infographics
