"Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls in Latvia"


On October 10-12, 2022 nonformal education training on the Youth group methodology (developed by Center MARTA) for working with youth groups on building healthy relationships in the youth environment took place.


During the training, 11 professionals from education and social fields from all over Latvia learned not only interactive methods for working with teenagers, but also strengthened their competences in the field of promoting gender equality and preventing violence.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn the methodology developed by Center MARTA for working with youth groups. Structured, attractive and very focused information on currently relevant topics - such as emotions, self-identity, violence, gender roles, communication. In addition, a large amount of material was also obtained, which encourages and allows the acquired knowledge to be immediately applied in practice, forming and educating groups of young people about these issues. An additional benefit - contacts and exchange of experience with fellow participants, excellent professionals in the fields of education, social work and security. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" (Ilona Ostrovska, psychologist)

The training was implemented within the project "Prevention of violence against women and girls in Latvia". The project is financed by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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Project title: "Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls in Latvia"

Duration: 01.08.2022.-31.12.2022.

Project activities are focused on reducing and preventing violence in Latvia to promote the participation of women and girls in peacekeeping processes according to the National Action Plan on the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Project aim – prevention of violence against women and girls:

  • providing qualitative support to victims of violence – helpline and rehabilitation services;
  • advocating for the rights and interests of victims of violence – ratification of Istanbul convention, amendments to the Criminal Code and the Civil Code, amendments to the Social Assistance Law;
  • developing youth work – youth groups on safe relationships based on mutual trust.

Project target groups:

  • women and girls who have suffered and are suffering from violence;
  • family members and people close the victims, as well as society at large;
  • decision-makers and government officials;
  • women and girls arriving in Latvia from war-torn regions of Ukraine;
  • youth and youth group leaders;
  • youth – boys and girls in different regions of Latvia.

The project involves cooperation with deputees of the Gender Equality Group in Parliament, deputees of the Judiciary Committee of Parliament, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice and non-governmental organisations, such as Dardedze Centre, Crisis and Counselling Centre Skalbes, Training Centre MKB, the Latvian Umbrella body for Disability Organisations SUSTENTO, and Ombudsman.

During the project:

  • success stories that illustrate the changes in victims’ lives and youth group efficacy in different regions of Latvia will be collected;
  • helpline calls will be registered;
  • media reactions will be assessed;
  • approved legislative amendments and changes in other policy documents, as well as position papers and letters will be released;
  • a programme of youth trainings will be composed and an evaluation of trainings will be made.

Project is financed by Federal Foreign Office.

Project financing 95 108,05 EUR