V.O.I.C.E (English edition)

In 2025, De Mussen launched the VOICE project. Within VOICE, ten organisations from France, Italy, Romania, Lithuania, Spain and the Netherlands (see details below) collaborate in a cross-border initiative.

What is VOICE?

V.O.I.C.E. (Vision, Opportunity, Inclusion, Community, Equality) is a project based on the belief that every woman should have the same opportunities to make choices and to develop herself in life. The mental load of domestic care, gender discrimination and stereotypes should not influence this.

The project is aligned with European strategies aimed at reducing the gender gap in care, as well as combating gender discrimination and stereotypes. Raising awareness among children and young adults is a task for professionals, so that this awareness can be shared and promoted across Europe.

The project closely aligns with the objectives of the CERV call, which seeks to address the root causes of the gender gap in care by promoting a gender-transformative approach and tackling gender stereotypes. It will design a European and multidisciplinary approach to gradually raise awareness and transform our gender perceptions and stereotypes, actively involving the target groups—particularly children and young people—in consultation, participation, and implementation of specific activities.

The project will support and assist several target groups:

Primary target groups: children aged 6–10, 10–14, and 14–17; teenagers and young adults aged 18–25.
Secondary target groups: youth/social workers, parents, educators, and vulnerable communities.

Children and teenagers form the main target group, as the project aims to address the underlying causes of the gender gap in care, including education and the direct and indirect transmission of gender stereotypes. Parents are also an important target group, as they remain the primary educators, and transformative change can begin at home. This is especially true for young or expectant parents, who can be supported in developing a fair organisation and distribution of care responsibilities between genders—thus initiating the change we aim to achieve.

By promoting the V.O.I.C.E. approach through our professional networks across different regions, the project seeks to foster a local working culture that encourages a dual-earner, dual-carer model.

Objectives

To analyse the underlying causes of the gender gap in care, including the direct and indirect transmission of gender stereotypes.
To develop a European model and toolkit that embodies a culturally inclusive vision, supporting stakeholders working with children, young people and parents in fostering sustainable change and a gender-transformative approach.
To engage educational communities in increasing understanding and support for gender equality in care responsibilities.
To raise awareness of persistent gender stereotypes and promote a fair distribution of caregiving duties.
To establish community initiatives that empower individuals and encourage active participation in advancing gender equality.

Activities

Field research to gather perspectives and insights related to gender stereotypes and discrimination.
Creation and implementation of the V.O.I.C.E. model, with targeted activities to raise awareness among local networks, children, women, and people in vulnerable situations about the gender gap in care.
Development of the podcast series “Let your V.O.I.C.E. be heard” to further promote the V.O.I.C.E. model.
Production and launch of the V.O.I.C.E. awareness campaign addressing the gender gap in care.