In November 2024, a youth worker from Bridge to Unity in Romania took part in the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness, held in Benalmádena, Spain. The project gathered participants from across Europe who were passionate about creating inclusive, fair, and mentally healthy communities. For the Romanian participant, this training became a transformative journey—one that not only deepened their understanding of gender equality and mental well-being but also inspired real action at home.
The Erasmus+ initiative provided an international platform for cooperation and shared learning. The main goal of the training was to equip youth workers with the knowledge and tools to promote equality and mental wellness among young people. It emphasized the link between emotional health and social inclusion, reminding participants that well-being cannot exist without equality and respect. The project encouraged open conversations, creativity, and collaboration, helping youth workers explore ways to make their organizations more empathetic and inclusive.
The Local Context in Romania
In Romania, gender equality and mental health are topics that still face barriers and misunderstanding. While progress has been made in recent years, traditional social norms and stigmas continue to influence everyday life. Many young people, especially in rural areas, grow up with limited awareness about emotional health or gender-based stereotypes.
The idea that mental health problems are a “sign of weakness” is still common, leading many individuals to stay silent about their struggles. Similarly, gender expectations can be restrictive—boys are often told to be “strong” and avoid showing emotions, while girls may face pressure to behave according to conventional roles. These patterns affect both mental health and opportunities for self-expression.
Before the Erasmus+ project, Bridge to Unity had been working on several youth programs in Romania, promoting equality, cultural understanding, and community development. However, the organization noticed a growing need to include mental health education in their activities. Young people attending workshops often shared feelings of anxiety, burnout, and stress related to academic pressure or social expectations. The team realized that mental health and equality are not separate issues—they are deeply connected. The opportunity to join the training in Spain came at the perfect moment to gain new perspectives on how to address both topics effectively.
The Training Experience in Benalmádena
The training course in Benalmádena was an eye-opening experience that combined education with empathy. Through interactive workshops, role-playing, and storytelling, participants explored the importance of creating safe spaces for youth. Each day focused on building understanding, challenging stereotypes, and improving emotional awareness.
One of the most impactful sessions focused on identifying unconscious biases and gender stereotypes. Participants reflected on their own upbringing and experiences, realizing how early social expectations shape behavior and emotional expression. Discussions often became personal, emotional, and inspiring. These conversations showed that even though participants came from different cultural backgrounds, they faced similar challenges in promoting equality and mental health.
The training also included practical workshops on self-care and stress management for youth workers. Many realized that supporting others requires taking care of one’s own well-being first. The trainers emphasized that youth work is emotional work, and without mental resilience, it is difficult to guide others toward positive change.
During visits to local Spanish organizations, participants witnessed how communities in Benalmádena were addressing gender equality and mental wellness through creative and community-based approaches. One local initiative used art therapy to help young people express emotions through painting and music. Another project focused on supporting young women from vulnerable backgrounds to gain confidence and independence. Seeing these real-life examples gave participants inspiration and motivation to adapt similar methods back home.
The intercultural environment of the project made it even more special. Sharing experiences with youth workers from different countries helped everyone realize how universal these challenges are. It built not only professional skills but also lasting friendships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Post-Project Action in Romania
After returning to Romania, the participant from Bridge to Unity felt a strong sense of responsibility to apply the lessons learned. The team decided to launch a new initiative called “Open Minds Romania.” The project aimed to combine mental health awareness with gender equality education in youth work. Its goal was simple yet powerful—to help young people recognize and challenge harmful stereotypes while learning how to take care of their emotional well-being.
The Open Minds initiative began with small workshops in schools and youth centers. The sessions encouraged young people to discuss topics such as stress, self-image, gender roles, and empathy. Using non-formal education tools inspired by the Benalmádena training, such as interactive games and storytelling, the facilitators created a safe and inclusive space where participants could express themselves freely.
The project also included training for youth workers and educators. These sessions focused on recognizing early signs of emotional distress, promoting equality in classrooms, and using inclusive communication methods. Teachers and youth leaders were introduced to techniques that help students build confidence and emotional awareness.
In addition, Bridge to Unity collaborated with local psychologists and NGOs to organize public discussions and awareness campaigns. One campaign, titled “Equality Starts in the Mind,” used social media to spread positive messages about mental health and inclusion. The posts, videos, and testimonials reached thousands of young people across Romania, sparking important conversations online.
Impact on Youth and the Community
The results of Open Minds Romania were encouraging. Young participants shared that they felt heard, respected, and supported. For many, it was their first experience talking openly about emotions or questioning gender stereotypes. Teachers reported that after the workshops, students were more understanding toward each other and showed increased confidence in expressing feelings.
The initiative also had a positive impact on local youth workers, who gained new tools to integrate mental health and equality into their projects. Some organizations in the region adopted similar programs, creating a ripple effect across communities.
One of the most powerful outcomes was the change in attitudes. The project helped shift conversations in local communities, showing that mental health is not a taboo topic and that gender equality benefits everyone. The collaboration between youth, educators, and community leaders demonstrated that sustainable change is possible when empathy meets action.
Reflection and Future Vision
The Erasmus+ training Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness in Benalmádena was not just a learning experience—it was a catalyst for change. It gave the participant from Bridge to Unity the tools, confidence, and inspiration to take meaningful steps in their community. The experience showed that equality and emotional well-being are not isolated goals; they are interconnected elements of a fair and healthy society.
The vision for the future is to expand Open Minds Romania across the country, reaching more schools and youth centers. The project aims to train new facilitators, create educational materials, and promote a culture of care, inclusion, and respect.
Through continued collaboration with other European partners, Bridge to Unity hopes to contribute to a broader movement for equality and mental health awareness across Europe. The lessons from Spain continue to inspire a new generation of youth workers in Romania—those who believe that empathy, education, and unity can truly change the world, one conversation at a time.