The Bus Stop Violence project inspired and empowered young people to recognize the different forms of gender-based violence and advocate for gender equality. Through engaging itinerant workshops and traveling theatre performances aboard the Utopia Possibile Bus, participants gained a deeper understanding of the impact of gender-based violence and learned effective ways to address it. This was not a typical lecture-style learning experience; instead, participants were part of an immersive, interactive journey that left them with a newfound appreciation for the importance of gender equality.
Bus stop violence aimed to raise young people’s awareness of gender equality and recognize the different forms of gender-based violence through itinerant workshops and traveling theatre. The activities were implemented on board of Utopia Possibile Bus: a 75-seat double-decker bus that Sciara purchased and mechanically redesigned, transformed into a traveling theatre and itinerant laboratory of awareness-raising experiences related to the gender equality topic. Participants had the opportunity to live a unique experience!
During the project, the team of facilitators engaged participants in a variety of interactive activities, including theater performances, group discussions, and creative workshops. The goal was to create a safe space for young people to talk about gender equality, identify different forms of violence, and develop practical tools for intervention.
Through these activities, young people learned about gender stereotypes and how they contribute to the perpetuation of violence, as well as the importance of bystander intervention in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. They also gained practical skills for intervening in situations of violence, such as active listening, empathy, and communication.
Overall, Bus stop violence was a huge success, with participants reporting a greater understanding of gender-based violence and a sense of empowerment to take action in their own communities. The project generated a lot of interest and positive feedback from the local community, with many people attending the theatre performances and expressing appreciation for the important message of the project.
