Preventing (cyber) gender-based violence and fostering consent among adolescents

Description

REAL Talk is a transnational initiative, co-funded by the European Union aimed at preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and cyber gender-based violence (CGBV) among adolescents aged 11–16.

At a time when young people are forming their identities, relationships, and digital habits, the project intervenes early, before harmful norms and behaviours become entrenched.

REAL Talk proposes a Cross-Cultural Socio-Emotional and Relational Education Model that promotes emotional literacy, consent, healthy relationships, and digital safety, engaging adolescents as active participants while also working with caregivers, educators, and policymakers to create supportive environments for lasting change.

Objective

The project aims to prevent GBV and CGBV by:

•  increasing the knowledge, capacity of adolescents, and empower them to recognize and act against GBV and CGBV
•  increasing the awareness of caregivers on harmful effects of gender stereotypes, norms, attitudes and behaviour, especially on GBV and CIPV/CGBV, to foster a supportive environment for their children
• improving the gender equitable knowledge and attitudes of educators and their capacity to recognize early signs and address instances of GBV and CGBV, adopting an inclusive and cross-cultural approach.
• influencing policies and systems to embed prevention approaches involving policy makers at local and national level to actively support the integration of cross-cultural relational and emotional education in schools, shaped by the voices of adolescents.

At its core, REAL Talk seeks to interrupt cycles of violence early, before they become normalised behaviours.

Activities

REAL Talk implements a set of interconnected activities across countries:

• Workshops with adolescents to critically reflect on harmful gender norms, build healthy relationships, consent, and increase digital safety
• Participatory activities where young people co-create content and messages
• Training for educators and practitioners to recognise and respond to GBV and CGBV
• Sessions for caregivers, including the “Cycle of Aware Fatherhood” to equip caregivers with tools to support open, respectful conversations on gender, safety, and wellbeing
• Consultation sessions bringing together adolescents, caregivers, and education professionals
• Advocacy activities and policy dialogue at national and European level
• Dissemination of research and tools through webinars, media, and networks as well as a final project conference.

These activities are based on a cross-cultural socio-emotional and relational education model, adapted to different contexts and needs.

Target Group

Adolescents (11–16): The project offers a safe and engaging space to explore relationships, consent, gender norms, and online experiences. Participants develop skills to recognise harmful behaviours, build confidence, and support their peers. Adolescents will join workshops in schools or community settings, participate in discussions and creative activities, and contribute to shaping project messages and tools.

Caregivers: The project offers workshops and guidance on parenting, gender norms, and digital safety, including practical tools to support adolescents’ emotional wellbeing and healthy relationships.
Parents will attend local sessions, take part in discussions, and apply learning in everyday parenting practices, especially in communicating about sensitive topics. The project will also include culturally adapted workshops for male caregivers.

School staff and informal education practitioners – The project offers training and resources to help professionals recognise and respond to GBV and CGBV, and to create safe, inclusive learning environments.
Educators and practitioners will participate in training sessions, integrate tools into their work.

Policymakers and stakeholders – The project offers research findings, advocacy briefs, and structured consultation processes that bring adolescents’ voices into policy and decision-making.
Stakeholders and policymakers will take part in consultations and advocacy meetings, and use project outputs to inform policies, programmes, and strategies.

ICDI’s role

ICDI leads the communication, dissemination, and advocacy work of the project.

We ensure that REAL Talk reaches a wide audience and that its results are shared in ways that are accessible, relevant, and useful for different stakeholders. This includes developing the communication and dissemination strategy, coordinating outreach across partner countries, and engaging European and international networks.

Building on our experience in projects such as Cybersafe, the Cybersafe MOOC, and E-mpowerYouth, ICDI contributes expertise in digital safety, child participation, and youth engagement. We support partners in integrating participatory and gender-transformative approaches, and in amplifying adolescents’ voices through campaigns, media content, and advocacy.

ICDI also plays a key role in connecting project outcomes to policy and practice, promoting uptake at national and European level and contributing to long-term impact and sustainability.

Expected results

REAL Talk contributes to both individual and systemic change:

• Adolescents show increased knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to GBV and CGBV, particularly coercive behaviours in offline and digital relationships.
• Caregivers improve their understanding of how gender norms influence adolescent behaviour and relationships and build confidence in supporting their children’s digital and emotional wellbeing. Educators will be equipped to identify early signs of GBV/CGBV and how to foster safe, inclusive environments for adolescents, including in leading peer training to deliver the Model.
• Policymakers integrate adolescent-informed recommendations into policies and programmes
• Increased awareness and dialogue on gender equality, relationships, and digital safety

In the long term, the project supports the development of safer, more inclusive environments where young people can build respectful and non-violent relationships, both offline and online.