Breaking Stereotypes – Youth for Gender Equality

In Egypt, deeply rooted gender roles and societal expectations often shape the opportunities available to young people. Girls frequently face barriers in leadership, education, and career development, while boys are often pressured to conform to traditional ideas of masculinity that discourage emotional expression and limit career choices. These rigid norms not only restrict individual potential but also contribute to broader social and psychological challenges.

To address these issues, State of Youth @ Revivals Egypt implemented the Empowering Youth for Gender Equality project, a youth-led initiative designed to challenge stereotypes and promote more inclusive and equitable social expectations. The project took a holistic approach to gender equality, recognizing it as a shared issue that affects all genders.

The initiative used a combination of interactive workshops, dialogue circles, and creative activities to engage children and youth in meaningful conversations about gender roles, equality, and social norms. These safe spaces allowed participants to reflect on how stereotypes influence their lives and to explore more inclusive ways of thinking about identity, opportunity, and expression.

A unique element of the project was its creative and tech-based approach. The team published articles on gender equality online to expand awareness beyond in-person sessions and organized a two-day game jam that integrated gender equality themes into technology and creativity. During this event, boys and girls collaborated on coding and design activities that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking while addressing issues related to gender participation in STEM fields.

By combining education, creativity, and digital engagement, the project created an innovative platform for youth to explore gender equality in practical and engaging ways. Participants were empowered not only to understand these issues but also to actively challenge stereotypes within their own communities.

The project was made possible through youth leadership and external support, enabling the chapter to scale its activities and create structured, safe, and inclusive spaces for engagement. This allowed for greater participation, improved accessibility, and stronger community trust in the initiative.

Key Moment from the Project

A defining highlight of the project was the two-day game jam, where boys and girls collaborated on creative technology projects centered on gender equality themes. This hands-on experience helped participants challenge stereotypes in real time while building teamwork and problem-solving skills. The testimonies from youth participants further reflected how structured, well-supported spaces enabled meaningful dialogue and long-term mindset shifts around gender roles and opportunities.