This article was originally published by Skillhub Cultural Association, Italian partner of the RE.W.I.N.D. WOMEN project.
On 24 October 2026, Skillhub Cultural Association hosted in Catania the second exploration of the educational Live Action Role-Playing experience (EDU-LARP) “THE RACE”, developed within the Erasmus+ project RE.W.I.N.D. WOMEN.
The activity brought together 30 young participants for an immersive learning experience focused on gender equality, discrimination and social inclusion. Through role-play, participants were encouraged to develop critical thinking, empathy and greater awareness of the inequalities that continue to shape society.
Learning by experiencing: gender equality takes centre stage
What if a cycling race became a way to explore the inequalities that exist in society?
This was the starting point of THE RACE, where young participants were invited to step into a fictional competition shaped by unwritten rules, unequal opportunities and power dynamics.
Although set within an imaginary scenario, the game mirrored real-life social mechanisms that influence who has access to opportunities, whose voices are heard and who risks being left behind.
Gender equality was explored not through a traditional lesson, but through direct participation. By taking on different roles and navigating the situations presented by the game, participants were encouraged to look beyond their own perspectives and experience how discrimination and exclusion can affect people’s opportunities and position in society.
From role-play to reflection
Throughout the activity, participants demonstrated active engagement, emotional involvement and a strong commitment to their roles. Negotiating, voting and reconsidering decisions became opportunities to question assumptions and recognise the unwritten rules that can reproduce inequalities, including in sport.
The learning experience continued after the game through a debriefing session, which provided a space for participants to share their reactions, connect the situations experienced during the LARP with everyday life and reflect on the social dynamics that had emerged.
Participants’ testimonials also offered valuable insights into the potential of educational LARP as a non-formal learning methodology and into the personal impact of experiencing social issues from a different perspective.
Making visible the inequalities women still face
Gender equality remains a pressing social issue. Despite progress in many areas, women continue to face discrimination, gender-based violence and barriers to recognition and equal opportunities, while stereotypes and unequal power relations can still influence decision-making.
Through THE RACE, participants explored these mechanisms in an environment where decisions had consequences and different perspectives came into conflict.
This approach reflects a key principle of non-formal education: meaningful learning can emerge when participants are actively involved, emotionally engaged and encouraged to reflect critically on their experiences.
Ultimately, THE RACE offered more than a game. It created an opportunity to question the rules that shape society, recognise inequalities that might otherwise remain invisible and consider how greater awareness can become a starting point for change.
Follow the next stages of the RE.W.I.N.D. WOMEN Public LARP journey and discover more about the project through our social media channels and YouTube channel.