In the field of international internships for young people, the figures reveal an alarming inequality: while participation in programs for individuals aged 18 to 30 is almost equal, when it comes to internships for young people aged 16 to 22, according to our experience and corroborated by other evidence, only 20% of participants are women. This disparity reflects deep structural barriers – gender stereotypes, lack of role models, and family concerns – that limit girls’ access to international experiences that are crucial for their professional and personal development.
Between October 2024 and March 2025, the Catalunya Voluntària Foundation implemented activities within the framework of the Action Plan to Promote Girls’ Participation in International Professional Internships: «From the Glass Ceiling to the Window of Opportunities,» a direct response to this issue. The project was created with the goal of overcoming the barriers that limit girls’ participation, promoting safe and equal environments with a strong gender perspective, and was designed to involve their entire environment: from young people to their parents, teachers, and host organizations.
In addition to talks and participatory meetings, where open discussions were encouraged about concerns, obstacles, and benefits associated with international internships, surveys were conducted with all stakeholders. These tools, applied both before and after each session, made it possible to gather opinions and identify the limitations recognized by potential participants, challenging misconceptions and highlighting the challenges that must be addressed to ensure an equal environment.
The results obtained from surveys conducted in participating schools have demonstrated the need to strengthen preparation in collaboration with international partners. As a result, an Erasmus KA1 application has been submitted, which will allow for an intensive one-week seminar to deepen the gender perspective and define a new code of conduct in international collaborations.
Now completed, this project positions us as agents of change, paving the way for more equitable, safe, and transformative collaboration in the field of international internships. It is worth noting that the project was developed with the support of the Barcelona Provincial Council, Feminisms and Equality Area, within the framework of the 2024 grant call for NGOs in the field of feminism and equality.
