Events of EFUCA

UNESCO's Academy for Young Women in collaboration  with the European Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (EFUCA)

Second Edition

Theme of the edition: “Mass media as a tool for women's empowerment”

The National Commission of Romania for UNESCO is organizing in Bucharest, May 13-18th, the second edition of the UNESCO's Academy for Young Women, on the topic of “Mass media as a tool for women's empowerment.” The project, which is organized with the unwavering support of UNESCO and in partnership with Burda - Romania editorial group, is fostering a collaboration with the Romanian National Television (TVR) and the European Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (EFUCA).

Following the success of the first edition of the UNESCO's Academy for Young Women - which was held in August 2017 and which devised a list with ideas for prospective projects - the organizers' attention focused on mass media due to its capability to raise awareness, to influence broad categories of people, to alleviate stereotypes, and to model mentalities. At the previous edition, participants had the opportunity to ponder the following question: "what can I do in my community and in my country in order to help solve women's problems and bring about a change for the better?". After two years, the question is still well grounded in the status quo; this is the main reason for which the 2019 edition of the project will use it as a starting point for debate, while promoting journalism in all of its forms and appealing to the methods of non-formal education and experimental learning. 

The second edition of the UNESCO's Academy for Young Women brings together 25 young journalists from 10 European countries and aims to acquaint them with the current trends from the fields of journalism, photography and social media through multiple courses and practical workshops held by specialized trainers or experts. The main activities of the project will take place at the headquarters of the aforementioned partners.

Why did we select this theme? Because in all European countries there are laws and institutions that aim to ensure gender equality and equal opportunities for men and women alike. Nevertheless, statistics show that there is still a lot to be done to guarantee the proper implementation of those provisions with the purpose of diminishing the stereotypes related to the woman's role in society and to be certain that women can fully exploit their talent, training, and potential.

In the spirit of UNESCO's regulations and recommendations, which equally emphasize the priorities of today's world and the tenets of sustenability, the initiators count on the enthusiasm and talent of young journalists to identify policy approaches that will open new windows to a future in which women will have a more prominent voice in society, will be valued for their contribution, and will be involved in the decision-making processes at the local and national level.

An UNESCO Academy Magazine will finally synthesize the contributions and ideas of the participants.