Is there a relation between school bullying and gender differences? What is the impact of relational bullying on adolescents? How can be gender violence be contrasted amongst the new generations?
The objective of various actions (research, education, awareness-raising events, communications campaign, etc.) implemented by Project Gender Equality Matters (GEM): Tackling Gender-based Violence is to increase community awareness of gender violence and promote correct and respectful behaviour.
Eleonora Curatola, who is following the project for the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, a project partner, explains the issues she finds in Italian schools, especially with parents.
In Italy, Project GEM involves 9 high schools in the Province of Rome and the Catania Istituto Tecnico Industriale Guglielmo Marconi. In total, 16 classes and 26 primary and secondary school teachers are attending five educational modules.
Some participating teachers have found that their colleagues are not very collaborative and helpful. “Many teachers still have issues addressing gender violence or gender identity with students, especially in the first years as they fear the parents’ reactions,” explain the more “courageous” teachers that have joined the project.
"In different contexts, in fact, some parents did not allow their children to participate in the research project. However, notwithstanding the initial difficulties, the students participated in the activities with great motivation and interest,” explains Eleonora, who recorded the impressions of some teachers:
- “It is important for students, even the youngest, to speak about certain issues, or to know that they can do so at school.”
- “These are issues that the students bring up on their own during lessons. They need to discuss them and express their opinions. And teachers should reply to these requests and help them clear their doubts.”
- “The works produced by the students are very interesting. It’s an important signal of the interest they have on these issues. Especially, the young women feel the urgent need to affirm a true gender equality.”
At the end of the series of modules, all teachers, students and parents will participate in specific focus groups on the various issues.
