International Youth Conference on Gender Equality and Human Rights 

The International Conference “International Youth Conference on Gender Equality and Human Rights ” took place in Scandic Helsinki Aviacongress Hotel, Vantaa, Finland from February 05-07, 2023. 

The event brought together 68 participants from 5 different countries to discuss gender equality in the education system and how to ensure early intervention in the perpetuation of prejudices and stereotypes it is the constructive exchange of ideas, as well as the presentation of primary project outcomes and acknowledgement of main contributors and partners.

The Conference included debates, two-panel discussions and four working groups with 12 speakers.

At the Conference, participants and experts shared their experiences about their journey to SDGs, particularly Gender equality on Norm criticism, 4R and active participation methods. They gave their training feedback and good practices and used the educational content to deepen their understanding of the issue.

The International Conference was the project's "Gender journey and young women empowerment programme 2022", summarizing an event that brought together all partners from 4 countries and interested institutions/experts to make a change and see the shift thought the new changemakers across Nordic-Baltic regions.

The key presentation was delivered by Merja Kähkönen (The National Council of Women of Finland), Jenni Kauppila (UNA, Finland), Evelyn Neudorf  (Tallinn University), Reet Laja (The Estonian Women’s Studies and Resource Centre), Susanne Kallanvaara (Burgårdens Gymnasium, Sweden), Shamsul Alam (Vasemmmistoliito, Finland) and Astrid Elkjær Sørensen (Aarhus University, Denmark).

At the Conference, we attended many youngsters aged from 16 to 26. Of course, the Conference's central stage was given to youth, where there have shared their own opinion and experience, asked many questions, criticized some ideas and thoughts of the present politicians/ decision-makers and provided their vision on the children and youth role in the achievement of sustainable development, their impact on the future of the region to live in the most dynamic, sustainable and integrated area in the world by 2030.

The project's events were a success, with most attendees feeling that it was a beneficial experience that they both learned from and enjoyed.

• Conference materials and a summary of youth discussions here.
•  Conference video recording
•  Conference pictures

The overall format of the events was rated 8.7 out of 10. Pre-events information and communications were rated 9.2 out of 10. The overall organisation during the events was rated 9.6 out of 10. The overall conference was rated 9.52 out of 10

Diverse communities working together around common agendas, building trust and positive perspectives. During the project, participants gained new skills and positive experiences on gender issues and exchanged their experiences with each other. Moreover, young people can share their ideas and abilities with governmental stakeholders and mentors' friends on gender equality, as knowledge of it is essential to a democratic society.

The project increased communication across the Nordic region and improved with Baltics by developing new informational/educational resources designed by young people for young people – on gender equality issues. Participants recognized the benefits of working together across cultural boundaries as we share common goals and a future.

Project was supported by Nordic Culture Point (1/22 Norden 0-30 Grant Programme ) and National Foundation of Civil Society