The Consent Project
Towards the 8th of May, as "The Consent Project," it became increasingly clear just how profoundly the concept of consent resonates with our personal experiences and the broader societal framework. Born out of passion and empathy, the overarching vision is to promote social and sexual well-being by equipping individuals with the necessary educational tools to nurture a culture of respect, autonomy, and consent by stepping into a better understanding of oneself and our relationships.
Central to this vision is a deep understanding of the role consent plays in our daily lives and exploring how we can create safe spaces for all through communication, emotional, and social intelligence. We emphasise the importance of consent, encouraging individuals to recognise and honour their own desires while respecting those of others. Currently, our target group consists of 18-29 year olds, especially within university settings in the Netherlands.
Outcomes
Through extensive research and creative solutions, we have curated innovative and immersive workshops, pop-ups and awareness campaigns which we believe change the way that consent and boundaries are approached. The resulting learning outcomes involve:
discovering safe spaces and their relationship with consent,
unpacking the concept of consent in our society,
exploring its importance in both intimate as well as day-to-day interaction,
understanding how consent feels and how to ask for it confidently,
examining the dynamics of consent and gaining self-awareness beyond the Yes and No,
learning communication tools to practice consent as a means to foster safe spaces.
This initiative allowed us, as a team, to delve deep into the nuances of consent, exploring its varied impacts across different identities and communities. Consent, we learned, operates on a vast spectrum. It affects individuals in diverse ways, influencing personal interactions and shaping community norms. Through Grensverleggers, we gained insights into the complexities of consent, acknowledging that while some people actively practice it, others may not fully grasp its significance. This understanding guided us to create personalised approaches, aiming to engage all identities effectively.
Our exploration didn't just enhance our understanding, it also transformed our team. By participating in workshops and interactive sessions, we bonded over shared commitments and dedicated efforts. These activities, both educational and unifying, brought us together to reach a group goal.
Our future
Looking forward, we are enthusiastic about taking our message beyond the local community. "The Consent Project" is set to expand, reaching out across the Netherlands and beyond. Our aim is not merely to inform but to resonate emotionally with people, to touch hearts rather than appeal to logic alone. This project is a movement. As we continue to grow and reach out, we invite everyone to join us in developing a broader web of consent. We want to encompass and empower every individual, fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Together, we can and will make a difference, creating a safer, more inclusive world for everyone.
