The study session “Gender Equality through Human Rights Education and Youth Leadership” organised jointly by IGLYO, Loesje Armenia, ISCA and CID in cooperation with the Directorate of Youth and Sport of the Council of Europe was held 21-28 July in Budapest. The study session gathered together thirty young participants from across Europe, including a representative from Lithuanian Gay League.

The main aim of the study session was to raise awareness of youth leaders about gender inequality and stereotypes in an intercultural context and build their competences to empower groups to address gender based discrimination. Workshops concentrated on understanding gender as social construction, analyzing stereotype formation, and developing an understanding of human rights education. Through the study session participants developed critical thinking with regard to gender issues and underlying power structures. Expert speakers included Evan Sedgwick-Jell from Loesje International, who talked about stereotypes, and Roh Petas from IGLYO, who talked about the social construction of gender.

Participants had the opportunity to engage in interesting discussions and learn about the realities in each other’s countries and organisations. LGL, together with its projects and good practices, was introduced in an NGO market, with participants showing particular interest in the “Empowering LBT Women” project.

The study session raised awareness about the fact that gendering, stereotyping and gender inequalities exist in all contexts, including LGBT organisations. Participants gained tools for analyzing and ensuring gender equality as well as empowering underrepresented groups to be used in follow-up activities and work in their own organisations.