ADEL Sierra Norte has successfully carried out three sessions of the ‘Put yourself in their place’ project, designed to raise awareness among teenagers about digital gender-based violence in the towns of Atienza, Cogolludo, and Jadraque. Nearly 60 young people between the ages of 12 and 16 have participated in this innovative educational initiative through a virtual reality experience, aimed at preventing gender-based violence from the early stages of adolescence.
The sessions took place on July 25th, 31st, and August 1st, with the collaboration of the town councils of the three towns, which facilitated the dissemination of the program and the recruitment of participants. This training is part of a regional project promoted by RECAMDER and coordinated by the Mancha Júcar-Centro Local Action Group, executed by FADEMUR Castilla-La Mancha.
The workshop dynamics allow teenagers to face everyday situations that exemplify various forms of gender-based violence, especially in the digital environment and on social media. This immersive experience aims to promote reflection, empathy, and active rejection of these behaviors. During the last session in Jadraque, the mayor and vice president of ADEL Sierra Norte, Héctor Gregorio, emphasized the importance of this training, integrating it into the Summer School program. Gregorio expressed his gratitude to the group for bringing these activities to smaller towns.
Noemí Cano, a technician from FADEMUR, led the activities, emphasizing that the pedagogical approach included listening to young people’s opinions on gender-based violence on the Internet, followed by a space for debate. Cano stressed that many teenagers witness digital harassment, but often do not share their experiences due to discomfort. Thus, the goal is to let them know that they are not alone and that they can count on the support of their families and authorities.
The young participants positively valued the experience. Natalia Gallego reflected on behaviors that are often normalized in relationships, while Hugo Petru considered the activity both educational and fun. The activity covered several phases, including an initial survey, viewing of immersive videos, analysis of situations, and practical guidance on how to react to risky situations.
Each municipality also promotes the creation of networks of agents of safe spaces, trained in prevention, and signs an institutional commitment to turn the towns into safe environments against gender-based violence. The project will culminate in September with a closing session in Barrax, where results and experiences obtained in the different towns of Castilla-La Mancha will be shared.
María Jesús Merino, president of ADEL, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to a safer and more equal rural environment, highlighting the importance of these initiatives for the youth of the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
