I. Policy statement

In alignment with our ARAO Inclusion Strategy (https://www.arao.eu/norms/inclusion-strategy), we are dedicated to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive environment where every individual, irrespective of gender, is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We firmly believe that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of social justice and sustainable development. Our commitment to gender equality permeates all aspects of our organization, including workplace practices, programs, partnerships, and community engagement.

II. Our Guiding Principles:

• Inclusivity: We embrace diversity and recognize that each person, regardless of gender, brings unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths to our organization and programs. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

• Equal Opportunities: We provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender, to participate in our programs, access our services, and pursue leadership roles within our organization. We are committed to removing barriers that may hinder such opportunities.

• Zero Tolerance for Discrimination: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of gender-based discrimination, harassment, or violence within our organization. We promote a workplace and programmatic culture that ensures the safety and well-being of all individuals.

• Gender-Responsive Programming: We design and implement programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals of all genders. Our programs aim to empower participants to challenge stereotypes, overcome barriers, and contribute to gender equality efforts.

• Capacity Building: We invest in training and capacity-building initiatives that enhance the awareness and understanding of gender equality principles among our staff, volunteers, partners, and program participants.

• Transparency and Accountability: We are dedicated to transparency in our actions and decision-making processes concerning gender equality. We take responsibility for our efforts to achieve gender equality objectives and routinely evaluate our procedures.

III. Measures Promoting Gender Equality in Our Programs and Among ARAO Staff, volunteers and collaborators:

• We provide equal opportunities for young participants of all genders to engage in our exchange programs: our selection process is open to individuals of all genders, and we are committed to ensuring equal opportunities to all participants. Through our selection process, we strive to achieve a balanced representation of participants, with the aim of having an equal number of individuals from each gender. This commitment aligns with our dedication to gender equality and promoting diversity and inclusion within our programs and activities.

• We develop program activities and content that are sensitive to the diverse needs and interests of participants of all genders: we do not incorporate gender-specific activities, making our programs accessible to both genders.

• We provide support mechanisms that address the unique challenges and concerns faced by young participants of different genders: we have both male and female group leaders and facilitators in our programs to be able to provide tailored support.

• We encourage young leaders of all genders to take on leadership roles within our organization and during exchange programs. This fosters a culture of leadership and empowerment among our participants.

• We are dedicated to implementing a fair and unbiased recruitment process for staff, ensuring that all candidates, regardless of gender, have an equal opportunity to join our team.

• We offer training and workshops to increase awareness of gender-related issues among our staff, participants, and volunteers. This training encourages informed and sensitive interactions among all stakeholders.

• We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where participants of all genders feel respected and free from discrimination or harassment.

• We actively collaborate with local communities to promote gender equality and encourage the involvement of young people in awareness-raising activities.

• We seek to foster partnerships with organizations and institutions that share our commitment to gender equality and inclusion in youth exchange programs.

• With each organized activity, we assess potential risks related to gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination. We take all incidents of gender-based discrimination or violence seriously and respond appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.

• We continuously collect data on program participation, outcomes, and feedback to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

These measures exemplify our unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality within our organization and during our programs. We believe that by addressing gender-related challenges and promoting inclusivity, we can create a more equitable and enriching experience for all participants.

III. Reporting mechanisms for Gender Related Concerns and Incidents

We have established clear reporting mechanisms and ensuring the confidentiality and promptness of our responses, we are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space within the ARAO where gender-related concerns can be addressed effectively and with sensitivity.

We consider each reported incident as an opportunity for learning and improvement. We analyze the root causes and implement preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future.

For our reporting mechanisms see Annex 1 Reporting procedure.

IV. Monitoring and Evaluation

We regularly assess the gender balance and impact of our programs and adjust as needed to ensure equality.  We also collect feedback from participants about their experiences related to gender equality and use it to make necessary adjustments.

V. Periodic review and adaptation

We yearly review and adapt the action plan to respond to changing needs and priorities and to ensure its effectiveness.

VI.  Legal Compliance:

We adhere to all relevant EU regulations and directives related to gender equality, including but not limited to:

• The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which prohibits discrimination based on gender and promotes gender equality as a fundamental principle.

• The Gender Equality Directive (2006/54/EC), which prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex in access to employment, vocational training, and working conditions.

• The Work-Life Balance Directive (2019/1158), which aims to improve work-life balance and promote gender equality by ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in the workplace.

• The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which includes provisions on gender equality and non-discrimination.

We also comply with relevant national legislation and regulations in EU member states where we operate.

Version: 2023