Gender and human rights: a training proposal from teenagers of cities like Alajuelita and Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

Abstract

Introduction: The following article derived from the Project: Building learning tools with young population using gender and human rights training from the Institute of Women's Studies of the National University. The Project develops because it was necessary to promote equitable and egalitarian relationships, as well as the exercise of citizenship, which involves this population in active and responsible decision-making.

Aim: Develop participatory training processes with young people from urban and rural areas that promote social relationships towards equality and equity from a gender and human rights approach.

Methodology: A methodological proposal was built with the project’s participants, who are members of the Participatory Councils of Children and Teenagers from The National Child Welfare Agency of cities like Alajuelita and Sarapiquí. This proposal was developed in four stages: the identification of training interests and needs, the proposal’s construction and validation, its implementation, and the collection of experiences through a pedagogical module, where participatory methodologies are exposed in which teenagers performed as active agents in knowledge construction.

Results: The project’s beneficiary population identify different inequalities faced by the teenagers in their daily lives as well as other forms of discrimination and violence, their manifestations, consequences, and its prevention. Issues such as sexuality, sexual and reproductive rights were addressed, emphasizing on the importance of having clear information for decision making.

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