Gender and The Union is a podcast exploring why policy changes matter to combat gender-based violence in the European Union, and why relationship and sexuality education is key to creating a more equal and safe future for all. In this 4-episode podcast series, we will create a dialogue between policy makers in the EU and the young people looking to advocate for positive change.      In this episode of Gender & The Union we discuss how the European Union and the government of Serbia prevent gender-based violence and fight inequalities, with Ms. Leonetta Pajer, head of Operations at the EU Delegation in Serbia and Gala, 16 years old and youth activist from Serbia. The podcast is moderated by Catherine Bailey Gluckman, programme advisor for youth work at IPPF EN. We have heard how gender equality, human rights, and relationship and sexuality education play an important role in the candidature of Serbia to the EU and how the EU and Serbia are working together to achieve a world free from sexism, violence and all forms of discrimination. Above all the relationship between the EU and Serbia should be a partnership that aspires to fulfil the hopes of young people like Gala. On her side, Gala has shared her expectations following the EU accession process, what progress she hopes to see on gender equality in Serbia, as well as what she is personally doing to better the lives of young people who want access to relationship and sexuality education, and who deserve a future where inequalities are diminished and harmful gender norms are a thing of the past. Quality relationship and sexuality education is necessary to ensure that young people live out the principles of gender equality but policy changes in the areas of rule of law, democracy and health are needed too.  We are now looking to both the Serbian government and the EU to make this happen together with young activists like Gala and her peers. This has been the final episode in our podcast series, Gender & The Union. Don't forget to catch up on the other three episodes.   This podcast series was commissioned by the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network, produced by Positive Stories and funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC 2014-2020), within the framework of the Youth SpectActors project. The content of this podcasts represents only the views of IPPF EN and is its sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

Gender & The Union is a podcast exploring why policy changes matter to combat gender-based violence in the European Union, and why relationship and sexuality education is key to creating a more equal and safe future for all. In this 4-episode podcast series, we will create a dialogue between policy makers in the EU and the young people looking to advocate for positive change.      In this episode of Gender and the Union we discuss what the European Union and all of us can do to create a society free from sexism and discrimination, with the EU Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli and our sexual and reproductive rights youth advocate, Amanda, from Sweden. The podcast is moderated by Catherine Bailey Gluckman, programme advisor for youth work at IPPF EN. The value of gender equality is close to the hearts of European citizens – with 91% of Europeans believing that its promotion is important to ensuring a fair and democratic society. So what steps is the European Commission taking to diminish gender inequalities? Commissioner Dalli tells us about what the EU is doing to tackle intersecting discrimination and reach those whose needs are greatest. Commissioner Dalli affirms that sexual and reproductive health and rights are at the core of gender equality, speaks out in favour of relationship and sexuality education (RSE), and affirms that RSE should be an essential component of the future EU Directive on Gender-Based Violence, as a way to prevent violence. We’ve heard how things are locally and nationally in Sweden including some inspiring best practices in how Amanda works with young people to make sure they feel empowered to take decisions about their lives and challenge harmful stereotypes. Amanda has underlined very clearly that it’s not just about a good legal framework in place to ensure sexuality education is delivered, implementation is crucial. And there needs to be investment in sustainable programmes, training new educators and school teachers continuously and ensuring that curricula for sexuality education are relevant up-to-date and that they reflect enough of a range of important life skills. Finally, we also heard that there is a lot of power to prevent violence, to fight inequalities and to adopt strong relationship & sexuality education programmes within the reach of individual EU countries themselves. This does require states to seize that responsibility and do the work. But it is also empowering to realize it’s achievable. That data is out there, keen and willing educators are out there, a supportive international community of practice exists. It’s entirely within the power of EU states to make the most of these resources and do their duty to ensure the safety of young people. As Helena Dalli said, this is the way to go.   This podcast series was commissioned by the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network, produced by Positive Stories and funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC 2014-2020), within the framework of the Youth SpectActors project. The content of this podcasts represents only the views of IPPF EN and is its sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

Gender & The Union is a podcast exploring why policy changes matter to combat gender-based violence in the European Union, and why relationship and sexuality education is key to creating a more equal and safe future for all. In this 4-episode podcast series, we will create a dialogue between policy makers in the EU and the young people looking to advocate for positive change.  In this episode of Gender and The Union we discuss how relationship and sexuality education can be a way to prevent gender inequalities and gender-based violence, together with Predrag Fred MATIĆ, Member of the European Parliament & our youth activist, Luize. The podcast is moderated by Catherine Bailey Gluckman, programme advisor for youth work at IPPF EN. What are the challenges that young people in Latvia face when trying to access relationship and sexuality education? What is the European Parliament doing in terms of improving the lives of young people and advancing gender equality? What actions can we take to address violence against women? The answers of all this and more in this episode. We also discuss the landmark position on sexual and reproductive health and rights voted by the European Parliament right after the tapping of this episode. In this report, authored by MEP Predrag Fred Matić, the European Parliament recognised that SRHR is not only a human rights issue; it is also intrinsically linked with gender equality, women’s empowerment and combating gender-based violence.    This podcast series was commissioned by the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network, produced by Positive Stories and funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC 2014-2020), within the framework of the Youth SpectActors project. The content of this podcasts represents only the views of IPPF EN and is its sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

Gender and The Union is a podcast exploring why policy changes matter to combat gender-based violence in the European Union, and why relationship and sexuality education is key to creating a more equal and safe future for all. In this 4-episode podcast series, we will create a dialogue between policy makers in the EU and the young people looking to advocate for positive change.  In this first episode we discuss prevention of violence through education and dismantling harmful gender norms – with the President of the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality of Portugal, Sandra Ribeiro, & our youth activist from Estonia, Susan. The podcast is moderated by Catherine Bailey Gluckman, programme advisor for youth work at IPPF EN. What are the priorities of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union when it comes to promoting EU values, including advancing gender equality and combatting gender-based violence? What are the challenges young people are facing concerning violations of gender equality and harmful practices? And how has COVID-19 impacted the lives of women and girls seeking education and safety from violence at home? These are just some of the topics we touch upon.      This podcast series was commissioned by the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network, produced by Positive Stories and funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC 2014-2020), within the framework of the Youth SpectActors project. The content of this podcasts represents only the views of IPPF EN and is its sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

On the tenth anniversary of the Istanbul Convention - the most far-reaching international legal instrument to set out binding obligations to prevent and combat violence against women - the European Parliament Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee (FEMM) voted today in favour of the report presented by MEP Predrag Fred Matić on “the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU” by 27 votes in favour. This resolution is the first European Parliament Report specifically dedicated to SRHR in almost 10 years. “The report provides an in-depth analysis of SRHR, recognising that SRHR is not only a human rights issue; it is also intrinsically linked with gender equality, women’s empowerment and combating gender-based violence. The report also provides a way forward on how the EU can deliver on reproductive freedom, safety and dignity for all”. – Caroline Hickson, Regional Director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN).  The report gives a high level of political importance to SRHR at EU level at a crucial time, with challenges in accessing the whole range of SRHR being compounded by COVID-19 measures and some Member States backsliding on women’s rights, gender equality and SRHR across Europe and globally.  “SRHR are at the core of several EU competency areas, including health, gender equality and non-discrimination, combating gender-based violence, fundamental rights and the rule of law. The EU is a longstanding SRHR supporter in its development and human rights policies and needs to safeguard SRHR both within and outside the EU for everyone.” – Cécile Vernant, Head of EU Advocacy at Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW). The Report has been tabled for a plenary vote at the European Parliament in June. EPF Secretary Neil Datta added: “Europe has a responsibility to take up a global leadership role on these issues, and this vote today is an important first step. It is crucial that we continue to work vocally in support of women’s rights, reproductive freedom and gender equality, and a positive result in the plenary will send a strong signal that MEPs are fully committed to protect and promote SRHR in the EU.”  

Digitalisation offers amazing opportunities for health and empowerment around the world, but ensuring equitable participation in the internet age throws up many challenges, and the stakes are highest in vulnerable and underserved communities, particularly for women and girls. More here.

IPPF European Network has developed a youth-centred approach (YCA) toolkit with the aim of improving the confidence and capacity of young people and adults to implement, upgrade and expand youth participation in our members.  Here’s what Nika, former volunteer for pro familia’s youth network (pro familia in action), IPPF member in Germany – who coached member associations from Spain and Ireland, had to say about their experience working on the youth-centred approach. Having freedom and responsibility as a young person I became involved in the project with pro familia as a youth volunteer and coach for the youth-centred approach. I remember having a lot of freedom, responsibility and the opportunity to hold myself accountable. Although it was a little bit overwhelming, I liked working as part of a team and being encouraged to explore this new role. Agents of change I was so happy to see that the toolkit gave so much importance to having young people as agents of change. Seeing it in a written form really touched me, and I found it so powerful. I also like the fact that the toolkit addresses various key players, on one hand empowering young people and on the other hand trying to convey this vision – of youth at the center – to people in decision-making positions within organisations. Coaching other members The experience was very enriching, it’s worthwhile investing time and energy in it, and as a young person also overcoming fear and insecurities. After the coaching session I felt there was more interest in youth participation. It felt like there was momentum and opportunity for member associations to take more young people on board. I felt change was happening. The youth-centred approach represented for pro familia and its youth network a great opportunity. I felt empowered by the growth I saw in pro familia and by what I gained on a personal level. Key take-aways for a successful approach It’s really important to look for allies, for people who are open to listen to you and to your ideas, to find people who are welcoming ideas coming from youth. Speaking of SRHR, it’s crucial to reflect and acknowledge one’s position in society and the privileges that come with that. It’s also key to let people with diverse experiences speak for themselves. We all need to look at power dynamics through a critical lens and this doesn’t just concern age, but also race, gender identity, socioeconomic background, (dis)ability and many more categories. Reproductive justice means much more than fighting for policy changes; it implies that each and everyone of us addresses own biases and stereotypes surrounding bodies, gender, sex and relationships.   Interview conducted by Manon Kayser, IPPF EN

IPPF European Network has developed a youth-centred approach (YCA) toolkit with the aim of improving the confidence and capacity of young people and adults to implement, upgrade and expand youth participation in our members.  Here is what Margaux, youth officer for the ‘Mouvement Français pour le Planning Familial’ (MFPF), had to say about how the youth-centred approach changed how young people are included in her organisation. Learning throughout life is important For me personally, the toolkit and the coaching workshop with member associations made a big difference. I felt stimulated and it helped me structure my work. To implement a youth focused approach it is important to make space for young people and to trust them. It can take a long time, but it is worth it. I liked the fact that the toolkit promotes intergenerational relationships and exchanges, that it addresses power dynamics, how to work together. Although some parts may seem obvious, they are still important to be reminded of. For example, the importance of giving feedback and how to give a good feedback. Youth in decision-making spaces The structure of the MFPF comes with its own set of challenges. The youth group is set up at the national level so it can take some time to see results at the local level, where we have more than 70 associations. It takes a lot of effort to ensure we all know what each of us is doing so we don’t loose track of great initiatives. Our biggest accomplishment was also our biggest challenge: to give the youth group voting rights in governance bodies. It took a lot of advocacy and time to grant the youth group this voice and to include it in the legal status. Each local association has a vote, and each member of the youth group is part of a different local association. It was hard to legitimate their representation, in terms of equity - the young activists were already represented through their local association’s mandate, but we wanted to go further for them to have a specific recognition to make their voice as young people more visible. And we did it! We were also able to create an action plan and implement it. We’re very proud of that, and we are very hopeful when it comes to youth representation at all levels. Now, the youth group is more structured and more visible, a while back people didn’t even know the youth group existed. We’re in a position to debunk prejudice against young people, and what they want. Visibility is essential. The next ideal step for us would be to create youth groups at the local level. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 it was harder to find a good work dynamic. Usually, 25-30 people get involved in our youth activities, but this year, we didn’t have a rise in number of people interested in the youth group. But despite these new constraints, the action plan gave us better tools for communication, and made it much easier! There are no small accomplishments: a 'step-by-step' approach is essential What I would recommend to other organisations that wish to put young people at the centre of their work, is to look at things in perspective, to take the time to analyse. There are no small accomplishments: a 'step-by-step' approach is essential. You can start slow, with a newsletter, for instance, to shed light on the youth group’s activities. In our case, it allows us to see how much progress we do and it increases the visibility of our work. It’s also crucial to look for allies and people who want to work with young people. In order to get around the fear of change, we need to identify the key people who can help us move forward and support our activities. Sometimes the idea that young people are unable to commit causes fear. But in reality, voluntary commitment isn’t always easy especially for young people, who are students, who may be in a precarious situation. From an age group to another, the realities are very different, but it doesn’t mean that the youth doesn’t want to get involved: sometimes, they cannot afford to. That’s actually a sign that we need to think about other means of engagement.   Interview conducted by Manon Kayser, IPPF EN

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, bills banning abortion care in practice and endangering young people by criminalizing relationship and sexuality education are set to be voted in the Polish Sejm on 15 and 16 April 2020. The ultra-conservative ruling party is taking advantage of the enormous hardship faced by Polish people to continue its relentless series of attacks on women and young people’s safety and wellbeing. People are sick, domestic violence is growing, one million jobs have been lost, yet the government adds to the burden of lack of social supports.   The Polish law on abortion care is one of the most restrictive in Europe. Abortion is only lawful to safeguard the life or health of women, in situations of severe fetal anomaly or where the pregnancy results from rape or incest. In practice, 98% of legal abortions in Poland are performed on severe fetal anomaly grounds. During COVID-19 times, with travel restriction in place, hospitals overwhelmed by the health emergency, many from the medical staff already denying care based on personal beliefs or convenience, women’s options are drastically reduced. This proposed bill would result in a total abortion ban in practice, forcing women and families to go through pregnancies against their will in case of fatal fetal abnormality at a time of dramatic economic instability with no social support from the state. This shows how little women’s lives and dignity are valued by the Polish ruling class. The bill would also gag doctors by restricting what they can say to their patients about the condition of the fetus, violating patients’ rights to information. The change proposed by this bill is permanent and will place women’s health and lives at risk. “We know that when women and girls cannot access abortion care, in their desperation, they will resort to taking matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. Domestic violence is rising sharply, and families are stretched to the limits of their endurance. It is the moment when we most need to ensure we provide all the care that our societies need” said Caroline Hickson, IPPF EN Regional Director. The second bill would result in a complete ban on teaching relationship and sexuality education, sharing evidence-based information on the Internet, as well as forbidding doctors from providing contraceptive care to young people under 18. Those who work to protect young people by giving them information about healthy relationships, intimate life and prevention of violence could face a 3-year prison sentence under this draft bill. The only source of information young people could end up with is pornography and religious doctrines. UNESCO guidelines underline that education addressing equality between men and women and focusing on consent can reduce intimate partner violence. Why is this not a priority when violence against women is endemic and we know is even aggravated during the lockdown? “The timing of these bills is dodgy. As public protests cannot take place due to the measures put in place to fight the pandemic, women are silenced. The medieval forces behind these proposals know massive protests would have been organized across the country to fight these draconian bills. Enough is enough” said Irene Donadio, IPPF EN Senior Adviser. We call on Members of Poland’s Parliament to listen to the voices of women and families across Poland, to protect women’s safety and young people’s health and to reject these regressive bills. The Polish government must prioritise people’s health and wellbeing, democracy and the rule of law. Exploiting the health crisis to attack women’s health care is reckless, cruel and a guarantee of aggravated human suffering.   For more information or an interview please contact: Irene Donadio, Senior Adviser at IPPF EN, [email protected], +32 491 17 19 390

As the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN), working to defend sexual and reproductive health and rights including relationship and sexuality education, we strongly welcome the European Parliament's (EP) resolution on the Criminalisation of sexual education in Poland - voted through by 471 MEPs. The resolution condemns the Polish draft law, that would criminalise the provision of information on sexuality to minors, including on contraception, the prevention of teenage pregnancies, the prevention of STDs including HIV/AIDS, information on sexual orientation and gender identity, and equality, respect and consent in relationships. The EP resolution reaffirms that relationship and sexuality education is enshrined in human rights law. It highlights that sexuality education is essential to create a positive, respectful and safe approach to relationships and sexuality, free from coercion, discrimination and violence; and has a positive impact on gender equality, including transforming harmful gender norms and preventing gender-based violence. Alternatively, a lack of information risks the safety and well-being of young people.   For more information, please find here IPPF EN’s statement on the draft law.