EU-COE

EUROYOUTH Portugal is part of the European project “Cultivating Positive Online Gender Equality Narratives among EU Adolescents“, which aims to tackle online gender-based hate speech and the growing influence of the manosphere – online communities that promote misogynistic narratives and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. As adolescents spend an increasing amount of time online, the digital environment plays an important role in shaping their opinions, relationships and values. Creating safer, more inclusive and respectful online spaces has therefore become more important than ever.

The project brings together nine partner organisations from seven European Union Member States, Spain, Lithuania, Cyprus, Portugal, Poland, Italy and Romania, including universities, non-governmental organisations, organisations working with young people and their families, and local public authorities. Together, the partners promote the principles of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) and work to foster positive gender equality narratives, contributing to a safer and more inclusive online environment for young people.

The project is aimed at adolescents aged 13 to 18, as well as their families and teachers. Together, these groups play a key role in shaping the values and attitudes that underpin gender equality, mutual respect, and healthy, equitable relationships.

Through its activities, the project aims to:

• Contribute to a better understanding of online gender-based violence, its underlying causes and its impact on adolescents;
• Equip adolescents, families and teachers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to recognise, prevent and address online gender-based violence;
• Promote positive narratives on gender equality and encourage respectful and inclusive interactions in digital spaces;
• Empower young people to critically assess online content, challenge harmful narratives and contribute to creating safer digital communities.

Over the two-year implementation period, the project will combine research, education, youth engagement and awareness-raising activities to help create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for adolescents across Europe.

The project’s main activities include:

• Conducting comparative research on online gender-based violence, with a particular focus on misogyny, hate speech and relevant public policies;
• Developing educational resources and practical tools for adolescents, teachers and families;
• Organising Youth Labs, where adolescents will learn to recognise and challenge harmful narratives and create content that promotes gender equality;
• Producing a short documentary that highlights young people’s perspectives and experiences;
• Strengthening collaboration among researchers, teachers, policymakers and civil society organisations to develop coordinated responses to online gender-based violence.