Equal GEMS is a project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme, aimed at promoting gender equality through physical education at school. The project involves schools and sports organisations from four countries (Italy, Portugal, Ireland and Hungary), with the aim of enhancing female participation, strengthening the skills of teaching staff and promoting more inclusive (formal and informal) sports environments.
Why is it important?
Numerous studies show that girls are at greater risk of dropping out of sports during adolescence, often due to environments perceived as competitive, judgmental or unrepresentative. The physical education provided at school still tends to favour performance-centred models, which are not always attentive to the well-being, motivation and body identity of female students. Furthermore, many girls report experiences of exclusion or invisibility during motor activities. The school context, however, is a key resource for promoting active participation and inclusion through sport. Targeted interventions such as inclusive sports clubs and training courses for school staff have proven to be effective in improving self-esteem, a sense of belonging and female leadership.
General project objectives
In order to promote a school model of physical activity based on sport and oriented towards gender equality, the Equal GEMS project proposes an intervention with the following objectives.
- To develop a monitoring system, aimed at analysing the perceptions of female students (and students) with respect to physical education, increasing awareness with respect to their motor skills
- To strengthen the skills of PE teachers and coaches in planning inclusive and gender-sensitive activities by promoting the use of non-stereotypical language and the adoption of a mentoring role to support the empowerment of female students
- To foster collaboration and networking between schools and sports organisations, strengthening the bridge between physical education and motor activity, and expanding the range of sports disciplines accessible to all
- To create conditions that encourage a renewal in the way physical education is delivered, placing the students' interests at the centre, enhancing their individual talents and motor skills
Programme and proposed activities
September - December 2025: Listening and analysis of the school context
- Introductory meeting with the project team
- Data collection using digital tools (Online Reflective Diary)
- Administration of the Student Sport Profile to assess students' perceptions, attitudes and interests
January - April 2026: Training for teachers and sports coaches
- Free training course for sports science teachers and coaches
- Topics covered: sport and gender, inclusive language, mentoring, involvement of girls in sport
May - October 2026: Activation of Student Sport Clubs
- Co-design and start-up of student-run school sports clubs with the support of teachers
- Experimentation with new non-competitive and accessible sports disciplines and formats
From spring 2026: school-territory collaboration
- Involvement of local associations and sports clubs
- Offer of extracurricular motor activities also aimed at inactive girls or girls with fewer opportunities
October - December 2026: Communication and creative production
- Production of videos, graphic materials and student-led awareness-raising campaigns
- Focus on inclusion, sport and gender equality
Early 2027: Final event and awards
- Final event with presentation of results
- Issue of certificates, participation badges and visibility for the schools involved
Why participate?
- Promote the school as an environment that promotes well-being and equal opportunities
- Strengthen collaboration with the sports organisations involved
- Offer teachers and sports coaches free training and operational tools
- Experience an innovative educational approach, recognised at European level
- Give a voice to all students, especially less active girls, making them protagonists