Principles of Working with Young Women and Young Men in Youth Work
#youthwork #violenceagainstwomenandgirls #VAWG #informaleducation #empoweringchange #YWCR #youngwomen #youngmen #safespaces #weareeducators
The outcomes of the report this week from the National Police Chiefs' Council, where violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains an under addressed issue, reminds me how incorporating youth work and informal education into existing strategies can be a complimentary step towards an effective response to this critical problem.
The report has shed light on the urgency of tackling this issue across the UK, with language such as 'national emergency'; 'epidemic' and an estimation by the College of Policing that 1 in 12 women are subject to violence. This leads me to consider how youth work and informal education can and always has contributed to change.
It is based upon the report that the need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches across services to combating gender-based violence and action from youth work, so this article will focus upon how we can learn from youth work and gender based work towards empowering young women and young men through understanding the principles and enabling safe spaces within communities. In this way, we can move closer to achieving a society free from violence and discrimination.
The Strength of Youth Work and Informal Education
Youth work and informal education offer unique opportunities to engage with young people on sensitive topics such as gender-based violence. When aligned with existing strategies, youth work approaches can amplify efforts to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and empower individuals to create positive change in their communities. To effectively integrate youth work into the violence against women and girls agenda, it is essential to establish guiding principles for working with both young women and young men.
Learning from listening and engaging in difficult dialogue presents opportuity; an activity for instance around access to power and young people's understanding of where power exists is a way of introducing concepts of violence. Young people's lived expeirences may be valuable to unpack in relation to how we can address violence and examine what is our part of this. The report raises crimes including stalking, harrassment, sexual assault and domestic abuse and violence are present in the report and young peoples' view on these societal topics can work to influence a shift in thinking, actions and behaviours.
Principles for Working with Young Women:
Empowerment Through Education : Provide young women with comprehensive information on their rights, consent, and available support services. Empower them to recognise and challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination.
Fostering Safe Spaces : Create environments in youth provision where young women feel heard, valued, and supported. Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and confidentiality to build trust and facilitate discussions on sensitive topics.
Promoting Self-Care and Well-Being : Emphasise the importance of self-care, mental health, and holistic well-being. Offer resources and tools for managing stress, building resilience, and seeking help when needed.
Building Peer Support Networks : Encourage young women to connect with peers who share similar experiences and concerns. Facilitate peer-led initiatives, group activities, and supportive networks to cultivate solidarity and mutual empowerment.
Advocating for Gender Equality : Engage young women in advocacy campaigns, awareness-raising activities, and community projects that promote gender equality and challenge systemic barriers to empowerment and inclusion.
Principles for Working with Young Men:
Promoting Positive Masculinities : Challenge stereotypical notions of masculinity and encourage young men to embrace respectful, non-violent behaviours. Provide education on healthy relationships, consent, and the impact of gender-based violence.
Encouraging Active Bystander Intervention : Equip young men with the skills to identify and intervene in situations where violence or harassment may occur. Promote a culture of accountability and responsibility for creating safe environments.
Facilitating Reflection and Dialogue : Create opportunities for young men to reflect on their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards women and girls. Encourage open and honest discussions on gender dynamics and the role of men in preventing violence.
Supporting Emotional Intelligence : Foster emotional literacy, empathy, and self-awareness among young men. Provide tools for managing emotions, resolving conflicts constructively, and building healthy coping mechanisms.
Engaging in Mentorship and Role Modeling : Connect young men with positive role models, mentors, and peer leaders who exemplify respectful and equitable attitudes. Encourage mentorship programs that foster personal growth and social responsibility.
Creating Safe Spaces for Youth Engagement
To make youth work a safe and inclusive space that extends into the community, consider the following tips:
Establish Clear Guidelines : Define expectations, boundaries, and protocols for behaviour within youth provision and activities. Ensure that participants understand their rights, responsibilities, and the avenues for reporting concerns.
Provide Training and Support : Equip youth workers and volunteers with training on trauma-informed conversations, conflict resolution, and safeguarding protocols. Offer ongoing supervision, debriefing sessions, and emotional support for staff and volunteers.
Collaborate with Community Partners : Establish partnerships with local organisations, schools, and community groups to expand the reach and impact of youth provision. Coordinate initiatives, share resources, and leverage collective expertise to address shared goals.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion : Celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and intersectionality within youth work settings. Create environments that honour individuality, experiences, and backgrounds to foster a sense of belonging and respect.
Encourage Youth Leadership : Empower young people to take on leadership roles, plan activities, and drive initiatives that address issues relevant to their communities. Foster a culture of youth-led advocacy, innovation, and social change.
By embracing these principles and facilitating safe spaces for young people, we can add to building a more equitable and resilient society where violence against women and girls is not tolerated. Youth Workers should unite as a profession and with other partners to enable the next generation to become agents of change and champions of gender equality.
Continuing the act as a respondant as a profession, gender-based violence requires a range of approach that engages young people in meaningful ways. By integrating youth work and informal education into existing strategies, we can catalyse positive change and nurture a culture of respect, equality, and safe communities.
Please comment and share this article with colleagues and showcase your effective practice examples to support colleagues and young women in our provision.
#youthwork #violenceagainstwomenandgirls #VAWG #informaleducation #empoweringchange #YWCR #youngwomen #youngmen #safespaces #weareeduators
Steve Walker : The Youth Work Common Room (2024)
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