Gender equality is understood by Mary's Route not only as the equal treatment of women and men, but also as the creation of organisational structures and practices that enable every individual to participate fully, contribute their knowledge and experience, and access opportunities without discrimination or unnecessary barriers. In this context, gender equality is closely connected to human rights, social cohesion, active citizenship and the safeguarding of Europe's shared cultural heritage.

This strategy has been developed in accordance with the principles promoted by the Council of Europe, the European Commission, UNESCO and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). It reflects the objectives of the European Commission's Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025, which identifies gender mainstreaming as a horizontal principle that should be integrated into all organisational policies and decision-making processes rather than addressed only through isolated initiatives. 

Mary's Route also acknowledges the European Commission's Roadmap for Women's Rights (2025), which highlights gender equality as a prerequisite for democratic governance, social resilience, competitiveness and sustainable development. The Roadmap emphasises that equal participation in decision-making, education, employment, volunteering and public life strengthens communities and contributes to more inclusive and innovative organisations. 

As an organisation coordinating pilgrimage routes, cultural heritage projects, youth exchanges, educational programmes and international cooperation, Mary's Route understands that gender equality cannot be treated as a separate activity. Instead, it must be integrated into project planning, volunteer management, governance, communication, education and partnership development. This approach follows the internationally recognised principle of gender mainstreaming, ensuring that gender perspectives are considered throughout the design, implementation and evaluation of all organisational activities. 

The organisation further recognises that meaningful equality requires attention to diversity and the different circumstances individuals may experience. Participation may be influenced not only by gender but also by age, disability, socio-economic background, cultural identity, geographical location or other factors. Consequently, Mary's Route seeks to remove barriers to participation and promote equal access to opportunities for all participants, volunteers and staff, particularly within its international youth programmes and community-based initiatives. This reflects the intersectional approach promoted by the European Commission and EIGE. 

Particular importance is given to the role of women within cultural heritage and pilgrimage traditions. Throughout European history, women have played significant roles in preserving local traditions, transmitting intangible cultural heritage, organising community initiatives and maintaining pilgrimage networks. Mary's Route seeks to make these contributions more visible through educational activities, interpretation of cultural heritage and international cooperation while encouraging balanced participation and leadership across all organisational levels.

At the same time, the organisation recognises the importance of creating environments that are safe, respectful and free from discrimination, harassment and gender-based violence. Every participant, volunteer, employee and partner should feel welcomed and valued regardless of gender. Building such an organisational culture strengthens trust, improves cooperation and reflects the values promoted by both the Council of Europe and the European Union. 

This strategy therefore establishes the guiding principles through which Mary's Route integrates gender equality into its everyday operations. Rather than functioning as a standalone policy, it serves as a cross-cutting framework supporting all organisational activities, contributing to sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, youth participation, volunteering, international cooperation and the broader mission of strengthening European values through pilgrimage and intercultural dialogue.

2. Our Commitment to Gender Equality

Mary's Route considers gender equality an integral part of responsible governance, sustainable cultural tourism and community development. As an organisation coordinating an extensive network of pilgrimage routes, volunteers, local communities, educational institutions and international partners, we recognise that equal participation is not achieved solely through formal non-discrimination, but through the continuous development of organisational practices that create fair opportunities for everyone to contribute, lead and benefit from our activities.

Our understanding of gender equality is rooted in the principles of human dignity, equal opportunities, mutual respect and shared responsibility. These values are closely connected to the mission of Mary's Route, which seeks to strengthen European cultural heritage through cooperation, pilgrimage, education and intercultural dialogue. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich both organisational decision-making and community life, while inclusive participation contributes to stronger, more resilient and innovative cultural networks.

Consistent with the European Commission's approach to gender mainstreaming, Mary's Route incorporates gender considerations into all major areas of planning, implementation and evaluation rather than treating gender equality as a separate programme. Every new initiative—whether related to pilgrimage organisation, volunteer management, educational activities, international mobility projects or cultural heritage interpretation—is designed with consideration for its potential impact on the equal participation of women and men. This reflects the principle that gender equality should become a horizontal organisational objective rather than an isolated policy area. 

Within the organisation, decisions regarding recruitment, volunteer engagement, project participation and professional development are based on transparent criteria that value competence, motivation and commitment. Mary's Route seeks to ensure that women and men have equal access to responsibilities, leadership opportunities and professional growth, while recognising that different life circumstances may require flexible organisational arrangements. This approach is consistent with the European Commission's emphasis on removing structural barriers that may limit participation in public, professional or community life. 

The organisation also acknowledges that equal opportunities do not necessarily mean identical experiences. Participation may be influenced by a range of social factors including age, family responsibilities, disability, socio-economic background or geographical location. Therefore, Mary's Route adopts an inclusive perspective that aims to reduce practical barriers to participation wherever possible. When planning international exchanges, conferences, pilgrimages or volunteer activities, particular attention is given to accessibility, scheduling, communication and logistical arrangements that enable broad participation from individuals with different personal circumstances. This reflects the intersectional perspective promoted by European gender equality policies. 

Mary's Route further recognises the significant contribution of women to Europe's pilgrimage traditions and cultural heritage. Throughout history, women have played essential roles in preserving religious customs, maintaining local traditions, supporting parish communities, transmitting intangible cultural heritage and organising charitable initiatives. These contributions have often remained less visible than formal leadership positions despite their fundamental importance for the continuity of European cultural and spiritual heritage. Consequently, the organisation actively seeks to acknowledge and communicate the historical and contemporary role of women within pilgrimage culture through educational materials, exhibitions, conferences and heritage interpretation.

At the same time, the organisation values the active engagement of men across all dimensions of community life, recognising that gender equality is achieved through shared responsibility rather than the advancement of one group at the expense of another. Mary's Route therefore encourages balanced participation in volunteering, project management, educational programmes and decision-making processes, fostering cooperation based on mutual respect and complementary contributions. In line with recent European policy developments, the organisation views gender equality as a collective responsibility that benefits the entire community by strengthening social cohesion, democratic participation and organisational resilience. 

A substantial proportion of Mary's Route's activities are implemented through Erasmus+, international youth exchanges and volunteer programmes. Within these initiatives, equal access to participation is ensured throughout the selection, preparation and implementation processes. Selection procedures are designed to minimise bias and encourage applications from participants of different backgrounds. Where appropriate, efforts are made to achieve balanced representation among participants, facilitators and project teams, while maintaining the principle that participation is primarily based on motivation and suitability for the objectives of each programme.

Gender equality also informs the organisation's external partnerships. Mary's Route collaborates with municipalities, universities, dioceses, cultural institutions, tourism organisations and civil society partners across Europe. In establishing these partnerships, the organisation promotes values of equal participation, respectful cooperation and inclusive decision-making. Whenever possible, project consortia and advisory bodies are encouraged to reflect diverse perspectives and balanced representation, thereby strengthening the quality and legitimacy of collaborative governance.

Finally, Mary's Route understands that achieving gender equality is an ongoing process rather than a fixed objective. Organisational practices, training activities and internal policies are therefore periodically reviewed to ensure that they remain aligned with evolving European standards and the recommendations of the Council of Europe, the European Commission, UNESCO and the European Institute for Gender Equality. Through continuous learning, reflection and dialogue with its partners, the organisation seeks to foster an institutional culture in which equality, respect and inclusion become embedded in everyday practice rather than existing solely as policy commitments.

3. Equal Participation and Leadership

Mary's Route believes that meaningful gender equality is reflected not only in equal access to participation but also in equal opportunities to contribute to leadership, decision-making and the long-term development of the organisation. As a European network connecting pilgrimage routes, cultural heritage organisations, local communities, educational institutions and volunteers, the organisation seeks to ensure that leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

The organisation recognises that balanced participation in governance contributes to better decision-making, stronger organisational resilience and more innovative solutions. Research and European policy frameworks consistently demonstrate that organisations benefiting from diverse leadership are better equipped to respond to social challenges, manage complex partnerships and build sustainable communities. Consequently, Mary's Route considers gender-balanced participation in leadership to be an important element of good governance rather than a numerical objective in itself. 

Leadership within Mary's Route is understood broadly. It includes formal management positions, project coordinators, local route coordinators, volunteer leaders, trainers, mentors, youth facilitators, researchers and representatives participating in national and international partnerships. By recognising leadership in its many forms, the organisation values both visible and less visible contributions that enable its programmes to function successfully.

Appointments to leadership positions are based on transparent and objective criteria, including professional competence, commitment to the organisation's mission, communication skills, experience and willingness to cooperate within international and interdisciplinary teams. Gender is never regarded as a barrier to assuming responsibility, and recruitment or appointment processes are designed to ensure equal opportunities for qualified candidates.

Mary's Route particularly values the contribution of women to the development and maintenance of pilgrimage communities. Across many sections of the network, women play essential roles as local coordinators, volunteers, educators, community organisers and project managers. Their work often extends beyond formal organisational responsibilities, contributing significantly to community engagement, heritage preservation, volunteer coordination and the organisation of cultural events. The strategy therefore seeks not only to ensure equal opportunities but also to recognise and increase the visibility of these contributions within organisational communication and public representation.

The organisation also encourages the active engagement of men in areas that have traditionally relied heavily on women's voluntary work, including community-building, education, mentoring and cultural heritage interpretation. In doing so, Mary's Route promotes shared responsibility and cooperation rather than reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes regarding social roles or voluntary engagement. This approach is consistent with European gender equality policies that encourage balanced participation across all sectors of society. 

Within international projects, including Erasmus+ initiatives, youth exchanges and cross-border cooperation programmes, Mary's Route seeks to establish project teams that reflect diversity in terms of expertise, gender, age and cultural background. Balanced representation enhances intercultural dialogue, strengthens collaborative learning and contributes to more inclusive project outcomes. When selecting speakers, trainers, experts or facilitators for conferences and educational events, the organisation also aims to present a diversity of professional perspectives and experiences.

Participation in organisational decision-making is encouraged at every level of the network. Volunteers, local coordinators, project participants and partner organisations are regularly invited to contribute ideas, provide feedback and participate in the planning and evaluation of activities. This participatory governance model reflects the principles promoted by the Council of Europe, emphasising democratic participation, transparency and shared responsibility within cultural heritage initiatives.

Young people represent a particularly important group within the leadership development strategy of Mary's Route. Through youth exchanges, volunteering opportunities, educational programmes and international cooperation projects, the organisation encourages young women and men alike to develop leadership skills, project management experience and intercultural competences. Rather than limiting young participants to operational roles, Mary's Route actively creates opportunities for them to contribute to programme design, event organisation, communication activities and international representation. This approach supports the long-term sustainability of the organisation while strengthening active European citizenship.

To maintain an inclusive organisational culture, leadership development is accompanied by continuous learning. Coordinators, staff members and volunteers are encouraged to participate in training related to inclusive communication, safeguarding, non-discrimination, conflict management and intercultural competence. These activities strengthen organisational capacity to recognise unconscious bias, foster respectful cooperation and ensure that leadership remains accessible to individuals with different experiences and backgrounds.

Mary's Route also recognises that equal representation should never become a purely statistical exercise. Instead of pursuing rigid quotas, the organisation seeks to create organisational conditions in which women and men can participate equally according to their interests, competencies and availability. Success is therefore measured not only by numerical balance but by the existence of transparent procedures, equal access to opportunities, respectful organisational culture and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

By embedding these principles into its governance structure, partnership development and project management practices, Mary's Route aims to build a leadership culture characterised by collaboration, responsibility and mutual respect. Such an approach strengthens both the organisation itself and its contribution to the wider objectives of the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Programme, demonstrating that cultural heritage, democratic participation and gender equality are mutually reinforcing components of sustainable European cooperation.

4. Safe, Inclusive and Respectful Environment

Mary's Route is committed to creating an organisational culture in which every participant, volunteer, employee and partner is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. As a network operating across different countries, cultures and communities, the organisation recognises that a safe and inclusive environment is essential for meaningful participation, successful cooperation and the preservation of Europe's shared cultural heritage.

The organisation maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation and gender-based violence. This commitment applies equally to physical and digital environments, including pilgrimages, educational programmes, volunteer activities, conferences, meetings, online communication and social media platforms. Every participant should feel safe to express ideas, contribute to discussions and participate actively without fear of exclusion, prejudice or inappropriate behaviour. This approach reflects the principles outlined in the European Commission's Gender Equality Strategy and the Roadmap for Women's Rights, which identify freedom from gender-based violence and sexism as prerequisites for equal participation in society. 

Mary's Route further recognises that safeguarding extends beyond preventing misconduct. It also involves creating organisational conditions that actively promote mutual respect, empathy and responsible behaviour. All staff members, volunteers, coordinators and project leaders are therefore expected to uphold professional standards of conduct, demonstrate respectful communication and contribute to an atmosphere where differences of opinion can be expressed constructively.

Particular attention is given to activities involving children and young people. As an organisation implementing Erasmus+, youth exchanges and educational initiatives, Mary's Route follows safeguarding principles designed to protect minors and vulnerable participants. Appropriate supervision, transparent communication, clear responsibilities and responsible leadership are considered essential elements of every youth activity. Organisers are encouraged to anticipate potential risks during project planning and implement preventive measures that ensure both physical and psychological safety.

Pilgrimages represent a distinctive aspect of Mary's Route's activities and require particular attention to participant wellbeing. Walking long distances, travelling across borders and spending extended periods within temporary communities require careful planning to ensure that all participants feel secure and respected. Event organisers therefore seek to provide appropriate accommodation arrangements, transparent communication, accessible reporting channels for concerns, and an environment where participants can request assistance without hesitation. These measures contribute to a culture of trust that supports both individual wellbeing and the collective pilgrimage experience.

Inclusive communication is another important component of organisational safety. Mary's Route promotes respectful language in publications, educational materials, public presentations and digital communication. Organisational communication aims to avoid unnecessary stereotypes while representing the diversity of participants who contribute to the network. Images, stories and promotional materials seek to reflect the active involvement of women and men across different generations and professional backgrounds, thereby strengthening the visibility of diverse role models within pilgrimage and cultural heritage activities.

The organisation encourages early dialogue and informal conflict resolution whenever misunderstandings arise. At the same time, appropriate procedures are available for reporting incidents of discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour. Complaints are handled confidentially, fairly and without retaliation, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals involved. This approach contributes to organisational transparency and reinforces trust among volunteers, staff members and international partners.

Mary's Route also recognises that safe environments support learning and innovation. Individuals are more willing to contribute ideas, assume leadership responsibilities and participate in intercultural dialogue when they feel respected and valued. By integrating safeguarding, respectful communication and inclusive organisational practices into everyday operations, the organisation strengthens both its internal culture and its contribution to the wider objectives of democratic participation, social cohesion and sustainable cultural cooperation promoted by the Council of Europe.

5. Gender Equality in Education, Volunteering and Cultural Heritage

Education, volunteering and cultural heritage form the core of Mary's Route's mission. Consequently, gender equality is integrated into these activities not as a separate objective but as a guiding principle that enhances participation, learning and community engagement.

Mary's Route believes that education plays a fundamental role in promoting equality and reducing stereotypes. Through conferences, workshops, youth exchanges, international training activities and community programmes, the organisation encourages participants to develop intercultural competences, critical thinking and respect for diversity. Educational activities are designed to provide equal learning opportunities for women and men while fostering an atmosphere of dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding. This approach reflects European recommendations promoting inclusive education and lifelong learning as important instruments for advancing gender equality. 

International youth mobility programmes, particularly Erasmus+ projects, provide valuable opportunities to translate these principles into practice. Participant selection procedures are based on transparent criteria that emphasise motivation, commitment and learning objectives rather than personal characteristics unrelated to programme goals. Throughout project implementation, facilitators seek to encourage balanced participation in discussions, teamwork, presentations and leadership tasks, ensuring that all participants have meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Volunteering represents another defining characteristic of Mary's Route. The organisation depends upon the commitment of volunteers who maintain pilgrimage routes, organise community events, welcome pilgrims, support educational programmes and contribute to the preservation of local cultural heritage. Volunteers are recruited and supported according to principles of equal opportunity, recognising that individuals contribute in different ways depending on their experience, skills and availability. Equal respect is given to visible leadership roles and to the many forms of voluntary service that sustain the organisation's everyday activities.

The organisation particularly values the contribution of women to the preservation and transmission of Europe's cultural and spiritual heritage. Women have historically played essential roles in maintaining pilgrimage traditions, organising parish communities, preserving local customs and transmitting intangible cultural heritage between generations. Mary's Route seeks to highlight these contributions through exhibitions, publications, educational materials, conferences and heritage interpretation activities. At the same time, the organisation encourages the active participation of men in community-building, educational and voluntary activities, promoting shared responsibility for preserving Europe's cultural heritage.

Research and international cooperation further strengthen the organisation's commitment to gender equality. Through partnerships with universities, cultural institutions and European networks, Mary's Route supports evidence-based approaches to cultural tourism, youth participation and community development. Whenever possible, research activities seek to include diverse perspectives and contribute to a better understanding of participation patterns within pilgrimage and cultural heritage initiatives.

Sustainable cultural tourism also benefits from inclusive participation. Mary's Route promotes tourism that strengthens local communities, supports rural regions and encourages meaningful encounters between visitors and residents. Gender equality contributes to this objective by ensuring that women and men have equal opportunities to participate in tourism development, volunteer activities, local entrepreneurship and cultural initiatives associated with the pilgrimage routes. Inclusive community engagement strengthens both social sustainability and the long-term preservation of cultural heritage.

Ultimately, Mary's Route views education, volunteering and cultural heritage as mutually reinforcing dimensions of European citizenship. By ensuring equal opportunities, encouraging balanced participation and recognising the diverse contributions of women and men, the organisation strengthens its mission of connecting people through pilgrimage, intercultural dialogue and the shared values of Europe's cultural heritage.

6. Implementation and Monitoring

Mary's Route understands that gender equality requires continuous commitment rather than one-time initiatives. For this reason, the implementation of this strategy forms part of the organisation's overall governance and quality assurance processes. Gender equality considerations are integrated into project planning, organisational management, volunteer coordination, educational activities and international cooperation.

Responsibility for implementing this strategy is shared across the organisation. Management, project coordinators, local route coordinators, volunteers and partner organisations all contribute to creating an inclusive organisational culture based on equality, dignity and mutual respect. Leadership is expected to promote these principles through everyday decision-making, while staff members and volunteers are encouraged to integrate them into their own areas of responsibility.

To support continuous improvement, Mary's Route will periodically review its organisational practices and evaluate progress using both qualitative and quantitative indicators. These may include the gender balance of participants and leadership roles, representation among speakers and trainers, participation in educational programmes, volunteer engagement, safeguarding training, and feedback received from participants and partner organisations. The purpose of monitoring is not to achieve predetermined numerical targets but to identify opportunities for improving equal access, organisational transparency and inclusive participation.

The strategy will be reviewed regularly in light of new recommendations issued by the Council of Europe, the European Commission, UNESCO and other relevant international organisations. Lessons learned from Erasmus+ projects, international partnerships and organisational experience will contribute to the ongoing development of policies and practices.

Through this strategy, Mary's Route reaffirms that gender equality is inseparable from democratic participation, cultural heritage preservation, sustainable tourism and active European citizenship. By embedding these principles into its everyday work, the organisation seeks to strengthen both its own institutional capacity and its contribution to the values promoted by the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Programme.