This symposium presents findings of different research projects about the prevention of gender violence. All projects are part of funding frameworks for competitive research conducted using the communicative methodology. The papers combine theories and research to shed light on how to solve conflicts associated to gender violence from an inclusive educational perspective in which the participation of youth and the empowerment of the communities become a key element. This topic not only contributes to social and individual wellbeing but also focuses on education as the key to overcome current inequalities in the 21^st century knowledge society. Research has identified several elements to prevent gender violence and to empower children and youth as well as families in the process. The main goal of this symposium session is to share elements grounded in research: theories and practices that have proved to be successful in preventing gender violence in a variety of contexts and involving diverse social actors which can become the basis for educational actions.

Overall gender violence is a social problem that persists in our societies and which can find expression in all spaces, regardless culture, educational level or social status. Researchers at the Centre of Research on Theories and Practices that Overcome Inequalities, CREA, at the University of Barcelona, have been working on the prevention of gender violence for more than 15 years now. A number of competitive research projects, funded by the European Commission or National States, have been conducted, involving different stakeholders: men’s groups, teachers, women’s associations, families, and other personnel from educational centers. A key aspect has been the focus on preventive educational actions at all levels of education and involving in the studies all social actors whose actions are essential to successfully address this problem.

The first paper analyzes the resistances and possibilities that the Spanish gender violence law has had in its application in Teacher Education programs in Spain. The second paper presents the results of the first research on gender violence in the Spanish universities. The third paper shows educational actions related to the fight against gender violence developed by an egalitarian men’s association and their impact. The fourth paper shares the results of the Consequences of the Mirage of upward mobility on adolescents and youth highlighting the inequalities that many women still suffer and educational actions for the prevention of gender violence among adolescents and youth.

The above mentioned papers have identified by means of the communicative methodology of research elements aiming at inclusive education that promotes empowerment for the communities and individuals suffering gender violence, which imply strong dialogue between researchers and teachers, family and community members, women’s and men’s associations, students, etc. In addition, all prevention actions shared in the symposium imply close work with the community. Overall, dialogue and community participation which have proved central in other educational interventions also show to be crucial to successfully prevent gender violence from education. 

This session will encourage interaction and feedback among presenters and audience.