The BRAVE-WOW project – Building Respectful And Violence-free gender-inclusive Environments in the World Of Work – was officially launched on 12 May and 13 May 2025, in Coimbra, Portugal, with the presence of representatives from the 14 partners of the consortium, both onsite and online, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Slovenia.
Funded by the European Union through the CERV programme (Grant Agreement 101195252), BRAVE-WOW will receive over €2.1 million to tackle gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace, with a strong focus on the healthcare sector – one of the most affected by these issues.
The opening session was hosted by Leonor Pais from the University of Coimbra, the project coordinator, who emphasised the urgent need for workplace cultures where dignity and respect are guaranteed for all. Institutional representatives from the University of Coimbra also welcomed the partners and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to gender equality and decent work.
An overview of the project’s objectives, methodologies, and expected impacts was presented, with highlights including the creation of two pioneering tools – the Gender-Based Violence Work Questionnaire and the Decent Work Questionnaire. These instruments will be piloted in organisations across the four participating countries and later adapted for broader European contexts.
Carina Dantas from SHINE 2Europe underlined the project’s European relevance and its alignment with international policy goals. The session also explored the project’s comprehensive approach: grounded in decent work principles, informed by intersectional analysis, and designed to ensure wide stakeholder participation.
The first day concluded with a cultural visit to the historic University of Coimbra, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and shared purpose that defines BRAVE-WOW.
The second day of the BRAVE-WOW kick-off meeting, brought a full agenda of strategic presentations, and collaborative planning sessions among the 14 project partners.
The day began with the presentation of Work Package 2 (Understanding GBV in the World of Work), led by the University of Évora, outlining the research methods and data collection efforts that will provide the foundation for the project’s evidence-based approach. This was followed by a overview of Work Package 3 (Participatory Research and Stakeholder Engagement), coordinated by SHINE 2Europe, which will ensure that the voices of those most affected by workplace violence are central to the project.
The meeting continued with an in-depth look at Work Package 4 (Pilot Implementation and Impact Assessment), led by the Italian Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), which will oversee pilot interventions in healthcare settings across all partner countries.
Communication, visibility, and sustainability were addressed through Work Package 6, led by CTIC, which defined the initial strategies for branding, digital presence, and media outreach. SHINE 2Europe, a key partner in dissemination, presented the communication materials developed to date, along with the timeline for the upcoming months.
In the afternoon, the team discussed Work Package 5 (Capacity Building and Policy Influence), led by FICYT, and the governance structure of the project under Work Package 1, ensuring a transparent and well-coordinated collaboration.
The European Commission’s Project Officer attended the session, providing valuable insights and encouragement. The meeting ended with a forward-looking discussion on immediate priorities, timelines for deliverables, and the collaborative dynamics that will guide the BRAVE-WOW journey.
With strong leadership, committed partners, and an inclusive vision, BRAVE-WOW sets out to reshape the future of European workplaces – making them safer, fairer, and more respectful for all.