Written by Tringa Thaqi

As part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, I had the opportunity to organize and implement the bootcamp “YouthIn for Gender Equality Fundamentals” in Prishtina. The activity brought together 20 young participants from four schools in Kamenica, Cërmjan of Gjakova, and Prishtina. I intentionally designed the group to be diverse, including students from rural and urban areas, as well as public and private schools, in order to create an inclusive learning space where young people could meet, collaborate, and learn from one another. The participation of students from Kamenica was particularly significant, as the municipality is among the most affected by youth emigration, reflecting the challenges young people face due to limited local opportunities. This approach reflects the European Union’s core values of inclusion, equality, and participation, ensuring that different voices and experiences were equally represented.

Throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in interactive and youth-friendly methods to explore key topics such as gender roles, gender equality, and gender-based violence. Through open discussions and storytelling, young people were encouraged to express their views, challenge stereotypes, and reflect on how inequality can affect their everyday lives. By connecting personal experiences with broader social challenges, the sessions helped participants understand that gender equality is not only a global issue, but also a shared responsibility within their own communities.

A central element of the bootcamp was empowering young people to imagine change and see themselves as active contributors to more equal societies. Participants shared their hopes and ideas for more comprehensive communities, while learning how small actions and everyday choices can lead to meaningful impact. The exchange between students from different regions of Kosovo highlighted the importance of dialogue, empathy, and cooperation, values which are strongly promoted by the European Union in its work with youth and civil society across the Western Balkans.

The successful implementation of this bootcamp would not have been possible without the support of WeBalkans and Europe House Prishtina, as well as the generous contribution of Meridian. By investing in young people and creating safe spaces for learning and dialogue, initiatives like this help build a new generation of informed, confident, and engaged citizens who are ready to promote gender equality and stand against gender-based violence.