EuroHockey is playing a key role in the HAND IN HAND Erasmus+ Sport project, an ambitious European initiative using sport as a tool to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
Working alongside a diverse and experienced consortium led by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), EuroHockey contributes its expertise and network to help turn sport environments into spaces that actively promote respect, inclusion, and equality.
A defining feature of the HAND IN HAND project is its approach to reframing gender-based violence as a societal issue, not just a “women’s issue”.
The idea is to move from protection to respect and equality, encouraging boys and men to take responsibility and challenging traditional stereotypes in sport environments. The aim is to harness the power of sport to drive this social change.
As such, there is a clear focus in HAND IN HAND to focus on young male athletes, recognising their potential as agents of change.
Rather than treating young people as passive recipients of information, HAND IN HAND places them at the centre of behavioural change, encouraging them to challenge stereotypes, respect women and contribute to safer and more inclusive environments.
Alongside EuroHockey, partners include national federations, universities, NGOs, and training organisations such as the French Hockey Federation, Bulgarian Sports Hub and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
This collaborative structure allows EuroHockey to both contribute to and benefit from shared expertise in:
- Sport education and coaching
- Gender equality and inclusion
- Communication and awareness-raising
- Policy development within sport organisations
A key element of this work is positioning coaches as educators both in sport and in values. By equipping coaches with knowledge and tools, the project aims to help ensure that respect and inclusion are embedded in daily interactions with players.
In practice, the project’s activities will take in national tournaments and awareness events; workshops and training sessions for coaches and stakeholders; school-based initiatives to reach younger audiences; and a final international tournament and conference to showcase results.
The project is currently in its research phase which includes analysing existing good practice in sport related to the prevention and response to gender-based violence.
This involves conducting field research to explore players’ perceptions of social norms, gender stereotypes, and attitudes towards gender-based violence within hockey and football across Europe.
This research will inform the development of methodologies and resources that support coaches in acting as educators for change in the fight against gender-based violence
EuroHockey supports these efforts by helping connect hockey communities to project activities, ensuring strong participation and visibility at both grassroots and European levels.
The aim is for the educational materials, toolkits, and the online MOOC created from the project will remain freely accessible, allowing federations, clubs, and coaches to continue applying the project’s methodology.
Find out more
To learn more about the project, click here to contact EuroHockey consultant James Chillery
