Change Starts Now: On the Path to Knowledge, Awareness, and Empowerment

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “Change Starts Now” was implemented in Riga, Latvia, from 18–25 April 2025 under the coordination of Venus Women's Rights Association and with 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 while increasing participants’ knowledge and sensitivity regarding these issues. Through an international learning environment, participants exchanged experiences and explored common solutions to social challenges.

Participants took part in interactive games designed to strengthen team spirit, communication, and group energy. These activities encouraged young people from different countries to work toward common goals, helping them build stronger connections and improve their interpersonal communication skills. Through exercises based on interaction and trust, participants enhanced their social relationships while fostering greater harmony within the group.

A panel discussion focusing on the causes, consequences, and social impact of violence against women became one of the project’s key learning experiences. Participants gained valuable insights into women’s rights violations, gender-based violence, and femicide while sharing observations and experiences from their own countries. Personal testimonies and statistical data presented during group discussions highlighted that violence against women is not only an individual issue but also a global challenge. This process also contributed to the development of participants’ critical thinking and analytical skills.

During an international symposium on femicide, each country group presented case studies, statistics, and current realities from their respective countries. These presentations enabled participants to compare common challenges and approaches to addressing violence against women across different societies. Discussions on obstacles to prevention and examples of effective practices further strengthened collective awareness and understanding of the issue.

The self-defense workshop provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Guided by experienced trainers, young people learned about personal safety, risk-reduction strategies, and basic self-defense techniques. Alongside physical safety, the workshop also addressed emotional resilience and psychological well-being, helping participants build self-confidence and become more prepared to respond to potential risks. Supported by cultural exchange preparations and reflection activities, the overall process enabled participants from diverse backgrounds to get to know one another more closely and deepen their shared learning experience.