The European Women’s Lobby (EWL) is the largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations in the European Union. The EWL has members in 26 EU Member States and four Candidate Countries, as well as 17 European-wide organisations, representing a total of more than 2,000 women’s organisations in Europe. The EWL campaigns for a feminist Europe which promotes women’s rights and equality between women and men in the European Union.
In 2015, the EWL organised its first ever summer school for young feminist activists: AGORA. AGORA brings together young feminists from across Europe to empower them to act and lead in a changing world. The summer school is based on open, participatory methods, with a large part of the programme self-defined and developed with participants.
Agora 2023
This year’s edition of the AGORA takes place in Brussels from 4 to 8 September 2023. Through a 5-day programme, this participatory summer camp will create a space where young women (18-30) will have a chance to reflect, think, exchange ideas, support each other and work together to become confident feminist leaders and activists.
We are looking for a team of 2 facilitators to prepare and facilitate a programme for this year’s AGORA.
Tasks to be conducted by the facilitators or organisation
The AGORA process will be highly interactive, flexible and with creative and safe spaces for the participants to openly interact. Special attention will be given to the creation of a process that is partly facilitated externally and partly shaped by the participants themselves. It has to be noted however, that open spaces where participants are invited to shape the process themselves need to be consciously created and designed as such. This will lead to a lot of creative energy, deep connection, participation and interaction, as well as learning around the purpose and objectives as expressed by EWL.
In this process, it is also essential to focus on creating a space where difficult conversations can take place in a safe and supported way. In addition, special attention will be paid to harvesting the important outcomes, conversations and ideas in creative ways for the participants and the EWL to build on during and after the process.
Overall, it will be a process that supports a diverse group of young women to share, collaborate, to be productive, to participate and contribute, and take away those insights and inspiration that suits them in their own context and empowers and supports them, as well as the EWL.
Tasks
A. Sharing input in the initial content structure for the 5-day workshop with clear objectives of sessions and methodology, as well as suggestions and input for the preparation phase for participants, in collaboration with the EWL.
B. Reviewing plans with EWL.
C. Facilitating the whole summer camp from 4-8 September in Brussels.
D. Carrying out the follow-up and evaluation of the AGORA.
E. Preparing the report with key insights for future AGORAs.
Profile of the facilitators/organisations
Essential requirements/profile
- Strong facilitation knowledge and practice.
- Experience of open facilitation methods such as Art of Hosting, Open Space etc.
- Demonstrable commitment to gender equality and women’s rights.
- Knowledge and understanding of intersectional feminism and young feminism.
- Experience of conflict management and supporting safe spaces.
- Excellent analytical skills, communication and advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability.
- Excellent spoken and written English; other languages are an asset.
Application and timeframe
How to apply:
Please prepare a proposal of no more than 3 pages, answering the questions listed below and explaining how you would carry out this work. The proposal should reflect the proposed framework and tasks for the facilitators as outlined above. It should articulate the number of days required for the activity and the daily rate. The proposal must be sent to the European Women’s Lobby (kurz@womenlobby.org) alongside the CVs of the key persons involved in delivering the work by Sunday, 25 June 2023.
Deadline for applications: Sunday, 25 June 2023 midnight CET
Selection of the facilitators: 26-30 June 2023
Agree precise work plan and contract: 7 July 2023
Coordinator:
Magdalena Kurz
European Women’s Lobby
kurz@womenlobby.org
Questions to answer in the proposal
The proposal should be no more than 3 pages and should reflect the proposed framework and tasks for the applicant as outlined in the call for consultants above.
1. Why is your organisation qualified for delivering this work?
2. What is your experience in working for women’s rights and gender equality? Please indicate especially any relevant experience you have working with intersectional feminism as well as any experience working with young feminist activists.
3. How would you deliver this work in coordination with EWL?
4. Please indicate the number of days you would need to deliver this project and the daily rate
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DISCLAIMER: The financial proposal provided in this application form must include all VAT/taxation requirements. It is the responsibility of the Consultant to ensure compliance with VAT regulations in Belgium and/or their country of origin.
