The City of Antwerp is launching a free support programme to help youth workers address questions and tensions surrounding gender equality. The initiative includes training sessions, workshops and tailored guidance for youth organisations, as well as activities for residents and a search for local role models.
The City says young people are increasingly exposed through social media to a wide range of views on masculinity, femininity, relationships and sexuality, including more extreme ideas. Differences in attitudes towards gender equality between young men and women are becoming more pronounced in Flanders, while traditional gender roles are gaining influence. Some young men are also expressing growing opposition to gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ people.
The so-called manosphere and femosphere – online communities that circulate ideas about masculinity, femininity and relationships – are among the influences behind these developments. Some of their messages reinforce stereotypes and encourage antagonism between boys and girls.
These trends are also affecting youth work. Youth workers increasingly encounter conflicting views, discriminatory remarks and tensions between young people. The city says they play an important role in addressing difficult subjects and creating environments in which all young people feel safe and welcome.
Free training and support for youth organisations
The City has developed a free support programme in collaboration with organisations specialising in gender equality and youth work. The partners include Punt vzw, Pimento, the Hannah Arendt Institute, Sensoa, Tumult, Bazzz, de Aanstokerij, and ZIJkant. The offer is open to both professional and volunteer-led youth organisations, including Scouts and Chiro groups.
Youth workers can choose from webinars, training sessions, workshops and tailored guidance covering topics such as gender diversity, polarisation, relationships and sexuality, sexual misconduct and dealing with resistance.
The sessions aim to equip youth workers to respond to negative comments about LGBTQIA+ people, discuss relationships and personal boundaries with young people, and establish clear rules to prevent inappropriate behaviour.
Youth organisations can apply for free support until 9 November through the City of Antwerp website.
The city is also working with organisations including Bazzz and Iedereen Divers on equal opportunities programmes in Antwerp schools.
Alderwoman for Equal Opportunities Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit) said the city would not ignore the growing influence of discriminatory ideas. “Antwerp is not looking away. Unfortunately, figures show that fundamental values such as gender equality and equal rights are coming under pressure in our society, due to phenomena such as the manosphere and other extreme ideas. We can never accept that.”
She said the action plan would focus on awareness-raising, education and safe spaces where young people could be themselves. Working with fellow Alderman Karim Bachar (Vooruit), she added, would help connect equal opportunities policies with youth services and reach young people in their everyday environments. “We will continue building a city where everyone is free to dream, love and be themselves.”
Exhibition explores freedom of choice
Residents can also explore the influence of gender roles and social expectations through the free exhibition ‘Not My Choice‘. Running until 16 November, it is on display at Antwerp City Hall and Antwerp-Central Railway Station. The exhibition addresses forced marriage, abandonment and freedom of choice.
The exhibition is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 at City Hall and from 04:00 to 00:30 at Central Station. An accompanying programme of activities is also available.
Antwerp seeks local role models
The city is also working with socio-cultural organisation Avansa to find Antwerp residents willing to share their experiences and perspectives on gender equality. The aim is to make positive stories more visible and allow local role models to inspire others.
Those selected will have the opportunity to share their stories in 2027. Interested residents can apply through the City of Antwerp’s online form.
