Second Module of the Training ‘Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality’
In Novi Sad, with the support of the United States Embassy, the second module of the seminar “Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality” was held last weekend. At this event, thirty participants from across Serbia gained practical knowledge on how to organize activities in their communities that will contribute to greater involvement of men in the fight for gender equality.
The seminar participants, young men aged between 18 and 35 years, during three intensive days, became acquainted with examples of good practice in engaging men in the fight for gender equality. They explored the possibilities of creating alliances and forming partnerships in this area, learned what makes a good message, how to make others care about the cause they advocate for, how to lead a campaign, organize an event, and plan with limited resources, as well as how to raise funds for their projects, apply for financing, and communicate with potential donors.
A significant portion of the workshops, trainings, and educational sessions over the weekend was dedicated to the participants’ independent project ideas, focusing on future activities they will implement in their communities – be it municipalities, schools, organizations, or universities.
Given that the first module of the seminar was devoted to developing the participants’ theoretical knowledge about gender equality, various forms of discrimination, gender-based violence, gender-sensitive language, stereotypical gender roles, the concept of gender and sex, as well as institutional mechanisms for equality protection, the second module focused on developing practical knowledge and skills. The work was organized through practical workshops, trainings, and work in smaller groups.
During the seminar, participants also developed their project ideas – initiatives they will implement themselves in their own environments.
The lecturers at this seminar were: Marija Srdić, who spoke to the participants about examples of good practice in engaging men in the fight for gender equality and skills for forming alliances and partnerships between men and women in this field; Maja Sedlarević, who discussed planning, event organization, and campaigns; Ivana Stevanović, who led workshops on message formation and communications; Biljana Maletin, who talked about fundraising, applying for financing, and making contact with donors; and Ana Pataki, who discussed social media campaigns and awareness-raising campaigns.
