Change Starts Now: Awareness and Solidarity for Women's Rights

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “Change Starts Now” was implemented in Riga, Latvia, from 18 to 25 April 2025 by Venus Women's Rights Association under the reference number 2024-3-LV02-KA152-YOU-000266537. Bringing together young people from Latvia, Romania, Türkiye, Spain, and Austria, the project aimed to raise awareness about violence against women, femicide, and gender equality. By sharing experiences from their respective countries, participants developed common perspectives on strengthening women’s rights and experienced how social change can be achieved through the active involvement of young people.

Informative activities focusing on violence against women, femicide, and gender equality enabled participants to approach these issues from a broader perspective. Through presentations and interactive discussions, topics such as women's role in society, equal access to opportunities, and the root causes of violence were explored in depth. The Six Thinking Hats method encouraged participants to examine issues from multiple viewpoints, helping them strengthen their analytical thinking, questioning, and problem-solving skills.

One of the most meaningful activities of the project was “Paint It Orange,” a campaign designed to raise public awareness. Participants wore orange T-shirts and carried orange balloons featuring photographs of women who had lost their lives to femicide in their respective countries. Together with local residents and members of the press, they organized a public awareness event in the city square. Releasing the balloons into the sky while chanting “Women are immortal!” became a powerful symbol of international solidarity against violence toward women.

Activities focusing on the history of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the struggle of the Mirabal Sisters provided participants with valuable insights into the historical dimension of the women’s rights movement. Through a short documentary screening and subsequent discussions, participants explored the role of women in the fight for democracy and human rights and connected these historical experiences to contemporary challenges.

Interactive group games and preparations for cultural sharing activities further strengthened the spirit of solidarity within the project. Participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves more closely while planning how to present the cultural values of their countries. Discussions about traditions, food, dances, and local customs promoted intercultural dialogue, reduced prejudices, and encouraged mutual understanding. Evaluation sessions also allowed participants to reflect on both their individual learning journeys and the overall impact of the programme, leading to valuable personal and educational insights.