GEM – Gender Equality in Mobilization

The GEM project addresses the persistent underrepresentation of women in political and civic decision-making across Europe, with a special focus on the Western Balkans. Despite formal advances in gender equality, women continue to face entrenched structural barriers, gender stereotypes, and exclusionary institutional cultures that inhibit their full participation in public life. Young women, in particular, are often socialized away from political leadership and lack access to political literacy education, leadership development opportunities, mentorship, and supportive civic networks. This systemic marginalisation not only limits individual aspirations but also weakens democratic governance by excluding diverse voices from decision-making processes. GEM directly responds to these challenges by empowering young women with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to step into political and civic leadership roles. Through leadership academies, political literacy training, mentorship programs, civic advocacy initiatives, and participatory policy development, the project builds young women’s strategic capacity, confidence, and resilience. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, GEM also works with high school students to foster political literacy, critical thinking, and democratic values at a formative stage, helping dismantle gender stereotypes before they become deeply ingrained. Beyond direct training and empowerment, GEM engages the wider public through awareness-raising campaigns, storytelling initiatives, digital engagement, and youth-led advocacy efforts, all of which aim to challenge societal perceptions about women’s political capabilities and normalize women’s leadership. By combining targeted interventions for young women, early civic education for youth, broad public awareness efforts, and structured policy engagement, GEM fosters long-term, systemic change that recognizes women’s participation as an integral part of democratic process.

Project GEM is Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.