Just do it - Equality in sports
17-24 june 2023
Cooperative Fjället regularly works with the EU programme Erasmus+, which provides funding for youth exchanges. In 2023, Kooperativet Fjället received funding for the youth exchange project "JUST DO IT: EQUALITY IN SPORTS."
From June 17–24, six young people from Fjället participated in a youth exchange in Hestra, in Gislaved Municipality, together with 40 young participants from four different countries: Ukraine 🇺🇦, Georgia 🇬🇪, Croatia 🇭🇷, and Sweden 🇸🇪.
The young participants had prepared presentations about the situation in their home countries regarding gender equality in sports, which they presented to each other during the week. They also prepared role-playing activities based on different situations and challenges that can arise, especially when girls want to practice sports on the same terms as boys.
The participants also worked in discussion groups, where they talked about possible solutions to these challenges and suggested ways in which individuals can take action. These suggestions will be compiled into a small handbook at the end of the project.
In addition, the participants attended a workshop on gender norms led by Luis Gonzales (Gislaved Municipality).
The young people also organized a joint cultural evening, where they sang, danced, and shared food and snacks from their countries. The Swedish group offered, among other things, cheese puffs, Kalles caviar, mackerel, and Swedish candy. One memorable highlight was the traditional Georgian dance, where dancers perform on their tiptoes.
The week concluded with a traditional Midsummer celebration, including a herring lunch and dancing around the Midsummer pole.
During the week, the participants worked with the Youthpass tool to reflect on and highlight what they had learned. At the end of the exchange, they received their personalized Youthpass certificate, which is useful for CVs and future job applications. (Read more at www.youthpass.eu.)
From the Swedish side, the youth exchange was a collaboration between Cooperative Fjället and Gislaved Municipality. In September, part 2 of the youth exchange will take place in Aragvi, Georgia.