Imagine a world where gender equality is no longer an ideal but a reality. What would that look like for you and future generations? Equal pay, balanced leadership, freedom from violence, and opportunities that don’t depend on your gender?
For young people across Europe, these aren’t just hopes, they’re demands. At the Gender Equality Forum 2024, you’ll have the chance to explore these issues and share your voice to shape new policy solutions.
The fight for gender equality is at a crossroads, and your role in shaping the future has never been more important.
Old challenges, new threats
As someone who cares about gender equality, you know that our world isn’t where it needs to be. The goal of a ‘union of equality’, with equal opportunities for women and men in in all their diversity, in all areas of life, is still far off.
The struggle for gender equality must overcome systemic issues that refuse to budge. From unequal pay to violence against women, from restrictive abortion laws to persisting gender roles, the status quo demands urgent change.
Since the summer, in the run-up to the Forum 2024, EIGE has been engaging with the Youth Participants, who will attend the Forum 2024. They share the European Union’s ambition of equality for all, and have also helped us understand the new, emerging threats that keep them awake at night:
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Backwards legislation is rolling back sexual and reproductive health rights.
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Digital platforms amplify misogyny instead of promoting equality.
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Gender-blind AI reinforces bias in hiring, healthcare, and decision-making.
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Climate change disproportionately impacts women and girls.
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Far-right movements fuel anti-gender rhetoric, threatening hard-won progress.
These are more than abstract problems; they shape your daily life and future. We are navigating a world where barriers to equality are deeply ingrained and constantly shifting.
Bold voices and fresh perspectives
The answer is in your hands. Your ideas, your energy, and your willingness to challenge outdated systems are what’s needed to create change. EIGE’s Gender Equality Forum 2024 is your platform to be seen, heard, and empowered.
This year’s Forum provides a space for youth perspectives to take centre stage. It brings young people together with policymakers, civil society and activists who care about equality. Our aim is to inspire a new wave of intergenerational action.
The Forum is your chance to connect with others who share your vision, exchange ideas, and inspire other generations who are ready to listen. It features youth-focused sessions that tackle the issues you care about most.
Youth focus at the 2024 Gender Equality Forum
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Chat and Chill: Navigating Youth – Gender perspectives on life changes: Share your experiences navigating gender and life transitions and learn from others facing similar challenges.
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Through Our Eyes - Young migrant women’s experiences in the EU: Hear powerful stories from young migrant women and discover how their experiences are reshaping conversations on gender and identity.
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Chat and Chill with Joanna Maycock - Moving forward to an inclusive feminist future: Join a conversation with one of today’s leading feminist thinkers. The Former Secretary General of the European Women's Lobby shares how we can build a truly inclusive future.
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What We Can Do: Feminist Climate Justice: Explore how young activists are leading the fight against climate change with solutions rooted in equality and justice.
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Foresight Youth Visioning Workshop: Co-creating a positive future for gender equality to help design a bold vision for a gender-equal future.
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Boys and men as allies in achieving gender equality: Come and learn about how we can encourage boys’ and men’s active participation in promoting gender equality.
Join the conversation
At EIGE, we take youth voices seriously. Our promise is to enable dialogue between the generations, leading to actionable change. The sessions above are an opportunity to hear fresh ideas and perspectives, challenge assumptions, and co-create solutions that work for everyone.
Whether you’re a young activist eager to share your vision or an older ally looking to learn, this Forum is your chance to be a part of the movement for gender equality.
The stage is set. Your voice and ideas can help improve all our futures. Sign up today to take part and let’s work together for a more gender equal Europe.
And finally, have a listen to what a few of our youth participants for the Gender Equality Forum 2024 had to say about being part of a generation that's increasingly divided over feminism in an episode of The Europeans Podcast!
The interview starts at 20:52.
Listen to the podcast or save it for later on your preferred platform : The Europeans Podcast website | Amazon | Apple | Spotify
