On June 7, 2023, in Vilnius, Lithuania, the “Gender-Driven Sustainability” workshop brought together youth workers and educators to explore the intersection of gender equality and environmental justice. Organized by Tavo Europa, this event served as a follow-up to the international training held in Benalmádena, Spain, aiming to inspire youth to reflect on how gender dynamics influence climate action.
Exploring Gender Roles in Green Change
Through interactive sessions, participants examined how gender roles and stereotypes shape ecological behavior and access to climate-related resources. Drawing from Lithuania’s own societal context, the group discussed ongoing challenges in achieving gender equity within environmental decision-making.
Workshop Goals
This workshop aimed to:
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Raise awareness of gender inequalities within environmental contexts.
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Highlight the role of women and underrepresented groups in sustainability efforts.
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Encourage inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches in youth-led climate initiatives.
Key Activities
The one-day event featured:
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Story Circles – Participants exchanged personal experiences about environmental practices, gendered roles in households, and local sustainability efforts.
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Role-Playing Exercises – Teams tackled fictional scenarios where gender impacted access to ecological solutions or decision-making processes.
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Creative Mapping – Youth created posters visualizing gender-responsive solutions to environmental challenges in their communities.
Participant Reflections
One participant reflected:
“I never realized how deeply gender intersects with climate issues. This workshop made me rethink who holds power and responsibility in our responses to climate change.”
Another noted:
“As a future marine biologist, I see how important it is to bring women’s voices to the forefront in science and environmental policy.”
Outputs and Legacy
Participants pledged to integrate gender-inclusive approaches into their school projects and local initiatives. Following the workshop, a digital poster campaign was launched on social media to amplify the messages developed during the event.