Boys Talk About Respect: 49 Young People Engaged in Preventing Gender-Based Violence

As part of the #CahulFărăViolență campaign, A.O. Centrul Regional de Dezvoltare Comunitară organized two workshops for boys and young men, held at the Cahul Medical College and the “Iulia Hașdeu” College in Cahul.

A total of 49 boys and young men took part in the two activities, having the opportunity to discuss healthy relationships, respect, consent, personal boundaries, responsibility, and the prevention of abusive behaviour in an open and participatory setting.

The workshops, held under the title “Boys Talk About Respect”, were based on the idea that preventing gender-based violence cannot be achieved without the active involvement of boys and young men. The discussions gave participants the opportunity to reflect on both the behaviours and attitudes they encounter in everyday life and the messages about masculinity, relationships, and gender roles promoted in online spaces.

An important part of the workshops focused on positive masculinity and on how traditional stereotypes about what it “should” mean to be a man can influence behaviour, relationships, the way young people express their emotions, and how they respond in conflict situations.

Participants discussed the difference between respect and control, the importance of consent and personal boundaries, and the responsibility each person has to contribute to relationships based on trust, communication, and mutual respect.

Another topic addressed was the influence of the online environment on young people. Participants discussed examples of content shared on social media platforms, including TikTok, as well as the influence of influencers and messages that may portray control, aggression, domination, or disrespect as “normal” or even desirable behaviour.

In this context, participants were encouraged to critically assess the messages they consume online, identify stereotypes and toxic models, and reflect on how these can shape their perceptions of relationships and their behaviour towards others.

The two workshops were facilitated by Gîrneț Ilie, an educator with experience in the field, who led the discussions in language accessible to young people, without blaming or moralising. The chosen format emphasised dialogue, questions, real-life examples, and reflection, allowing participants to openly discuss their own perceptions and experiences.

The working atmosphere encouraged active participation and the expression of opinions, while the discussions focused not only on behaviours that should be avoided, but also on healthy alternatives: open communication, respect for personal boundaries, taking responsibility, empathy, and non-violent conflict resolution.

Through such activities, we aim to contribute to the creation of spaces where boys and young men can openly discuss relationships, social pressures, stereotypes, and responsibility without being judged, while being encouraged to reflect on their own choices and behaviours.

Engaging boys and young men in the prevention of gender-based violence is essential for changing attitudes and building safer communities. Prevention also begins with conversations like these — about respect, boundaries, equality, and how each of us can contribute to healthier relationships.

#CahulFărăViolență

These activities are organized by A.O. Centrul Regional de Dezvoltare Comunitară under the umbrella of the Platform for Gender Equality, with the support of Gender-Centru, and are part of a programme aimed at empowering women-led organizations in their efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. This initiative is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and funded by the United Kingdom.