Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) requires more than awareness—it demands strong communities, skilled youth workers, and safe environments where young people can openly seek support. Warriors Against Gender-Based Violence, an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership led by organizations from Lithuania, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Spain, set out to meet this need. Running from January 2022 to November 2023, the project united experienced NGOs to develop tools, knowledge, and digital spaces that help young people and youth workers recognize, prevent, and respond to GBV.
Why the Project Was Needed
Young people across Europe continue to encounter GBV in various forms—verbal, psychological, physical, and digital. Many do not recognize harmful behaviors, while others remain unsure of where to turn for help. At the same time, youth workers face constant pressure to innovate and adapt to the evolving realities of young people’s lives. Beyond formal education, youth work increasingly requires guiding young people in areas like self-awareness, healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and emotional resilience.
The Warriors project responded by placing the concept of safe spaces at its core. These are environments—online and offline—defined by openness, non-judgment, empathy, and community support. By equipping youth workers and young people with practical tools and knowledge, the project aimed to transform these spaces into catalysts for empowerment and meaningful change.
A Platform Designed for Learning and Support
Over two years, the partnership created an accessible and multilingual online platform designed as a “safe space” for young people worldwide. The platform helps users:
-
identify GBV in different contexts
-
understand its root causes and consequences
-
access educational materials and digital tools
-
develop confidence to support peers experiencing violence
-
participate in communities committed to ending GBV
Available in five languages, the platform offers quizzes, resources, and interactive spaces for organizations, youth workers, and young people, ensuring long-term usability and global reach.
Building Skills, Methods, and a Sustainable Network
The project’s implementation focused on five main work areas, including management, the development of the platform, a best-practice guide for youth workers, a comprehensive methodology on creating safe spaces, and extensive dissemination activities.
A key result was the strengthening of participating organizations. Through collaboration, training, and the exchange of experiences, each partner gained new skills, tools, and approaches to support young people affected by GBV. The project also contributed to improving the quality of youth work services in four EU countries, offering better-tailored responses to young people’s needs.
Results That Go Beyond the Project Lifetime
Warriors Against Gender-Based Violence achieved and exceeded its initial goals. Among its most significant outcomes were:
-
a stronger, well-equipped network of youth organizations
-
improved understanding of GBV among young people, victims, and bystanders
-
increased motivation and ability among youth workers to intervene effectively
-
the formation of a sustainable European community committed to combating GBV
-
alignment with global and EU priorities, including SDGs 4, 5, and 16, and Erasmus+ goals on inclusion, diversity, and environmental sustainability
A Lasting Impact
Ultimately, the project created more than tools—it built a culture of communication, empathy, and empowerment. By strengthening youth workers and giving young people a place to learn, connect, and speak up, Warriors Against Gender-Based Violence laid the foundation for safer, more supportive communities across Europe and beyond.
