Young people sent to Italy by LDA Georgia - Local Democracy Agency Georgia within the project S.H.O.W RESPECT- Rusudan Shanidze, Darine Saldadze, Marita Machitidze, Tamuna Akhobadze and Giorgi Todua- share their impressions with us.

''Our journey within the S.H.O.W RESPECT (Support and Help Oppressed Woman) Out of the Shadow project started on May 18, 2023. The project gave us the opportunity to have a unique experience aimed at raising awareness on the topic of gender-based violence by using theatrical techniques. All this happened in Morfaso, Italy where we young people gathered from six countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Armenia, Jordan and Georgia).

During the project, every day was filled with diverse and interesting activities, which served to deepen the connection between EU member and partner countries, bring them closer, exchange culture and share the gender situation in our countries. Despite the initial challenge of establishing close ties with representatives from different countries, through these activities we were able to create quite cohesive groups and a friendly environment.

The first day was dedicated to getting to know the participants, we played different games to remember each other's names. We jointly formulated and agreed upon the common rules we would follow during our stay at Morfaso to respect each other as well as the host organization.

From the second day of the project, we started group activities, in the form of a presentation we introduced each other to the environment in our countries in terms of gender equality. We looked at situations from different perspectives and made sure that we are all united by one common problem.

Using the "iceberg" technique, we talked about different forms of violence. Determine what roles society assigns to each gender and what it expects from it. We talked about what consent is and had exercises to learn how to say and accept no as an answer. We had a bridge-building game that taught us how to find common ground when there are cultural barriers.

In the activities, we used theatrical techniques, body language as an international technique of communication with people. We created living monuments and staged a theatrical episode where each group expressed a specific problem and looked for ways to solve it. We saw that we are all unique, but at the same time we are very similar.

We engaged in video making and podcasting activities where groups demonstrated their creative and technological skills. Working in groups throughout the day brought the participants closer together, and the presentation of the works led to interesting discussions.

One of the most memorable were intercultural evenings, where groups representing each country presented our culture, traditional cuisine, dances and interesting facts. All this contributed to strengthening ties and deepening interest in each other's countries.

We also had days out, visiting Castell'Arquato, one of the oldest castles, and attending a one-act comedy show in Fiorenzuola, where we were further convinced of the importance of body language and expression, even when we all speak different languages.

At the end of the activities, we gathered in reflection groups and shared with each other the emotions, experiences, expectations and what we learned during the day.

This experience had a profound effect on all of us. It not only increased our awareness of gender equality but also acquired other new values. We have learned to accept and appreciate diverse cultures, beliefs and perspectives.

Within the framework of the exchange program, partner meetings were organized at the initial stage, both online and face-to-face, to define the role and contribution of each partner, to jointly develop methodology and practical activities''.

The project was organized by Sciara Progetti with the support of the European Union.