26.11.2023
Democracy & feminism
Module 2 placed feminism and democracy at the center. Participants analyzed existing gender roles, stereotypes, and the influence of power structures on the political and social participation of women. The aim was to establish feminist thinking as a perspective that critically examines democratic systems and calls for the inclusion of all social groups. In addition to theoretical inputs, practical applications were emphasized: by integrating games, participants developed practice-oriented solutions for creating democratic educational spaces that are equitable for all genders. In interactive exchanges, the application of feminist principles in youth work was explored and reflected upon.
Content
Feminism as a democratic impulse was the central theme: How do patriarchal structures affect the political participation of women and other marginalized groups? What political and social barriers must be overcome to ensure equality and participation for all? The history of feminism illustrated how feminist principles influence societal, political, and educational fields of action.
Methods
The focus was on the use of (board) games as creative and inclusive training tools, helping participants develop practical scenarios and solutions for inclusion and equality in democratic contexts. Based on the analysis of the training tools, participants created their own games around the topic of feminism for youth work. The selection of methods reflected feminist practice and enabled participants to work in safe spaces while developing new perspectives. Tools such as reflection rounds and peer feedback were also used to directly apply practical outcomes to their own organizations and settings.
Exchange
A particularly enriching exchange took place in the intercultural context, as participants shared different feminist perspectives from their home countries. Through these experiences within different political and social landscapes, participants developed a deep understanding of the varied challenges of gender equality across societies. In line with the topic, the group also visited an exhibition on “Forgotten Female Artists of Slovenia” in Ljubljana.
