Antwerp has launched an action plan on gender equality that gives youth workers a free package of training, workshops and coaching. The city says young people, partly through social media, increasingly encounter divergent and sometimes extreme ideas about masculinity, femininity, relationships and sexuality, and these developments are also felt in youth work. Youth associations can request the support until 9 November.
Why the city is acting
The city notes that in Flanders, too, differences in views on gender equality between young men and women are becoming clearer. Traditional gender roles are gaining influence, and among some young men resistance to gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ people is growing. The city points to the so-called manosphere and femosphere, online communities where ideas about masculinity, femininity and relationships are spread. Youth workers face divergent opinions, hurtful remarks and tensions between young people.
What youth associations can request
The free offer is aimed at both professional and volunteer youth associations, such as Chiro and scouting groups. It was developed with organisations including Punt vzw, Pimento, the Hannah Arendt Instituut, Sensoa, Tumult, Bazzz, de Aanstokerij and ZIJkant. Youth workers can choose webinars, training, workshops and tailored coaching on topics such as gender diversity, polarisation, relationships and sexuality, sexually transgressive behaviour and handling resistance. They learn, for example, how to respond when young people make negative remarks about LGBTQIA+ people and how to agree clear rules to prevent transgressive behaviour. Separately, the city works with Bazzz and Iedereen Divers on equal opportunities in Antwerp schools.
Alderman for equal opportunities Lien Van de Kelder said the plan focuses on awareness, education and safe places where young people can be themselves. She said she works with fellow alderman Karim Bachar to link equal opportunities and youth policy.
Exhibition and role models
The free exhibition ‘Niet mijn keuze’ (Not my choice) is open from 26 October until 16 November at the city hall and Antwerpen-Centraal station; it is the first time it is shown in Belgium. Its ten portraits include five stories of people who experienced forced marriage or being left behind abroad against their will, and five of support workers who helped them. The exhibition is a collaboration between the city, GemmA, the Dutch Landelijk Knooppunt Huwelijksdwang en Achterlating (LKHA), photographer Ernst Coppejans and Stichting Open Mind.
| Venue | Daily opening hours |
|---|---|
| City hall | 9.00–18.00 |
| Central Station | 4.00–00.30 |
The city is also looking, together with the socio-cultural organisation Avansa, for residents willing to share their experiences as role models. In 2027 they will get the chance to inspire others with their story.