On 20–21 March, lecturers from the Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI) Faculty of Medicine, Rehabilitation Department – Milda Gintilienė, Diana Nemčiauskienė, and Laura Žlibinaitė – together with physiotherapy and occupational therapy students, visited the University of Malta. They participated in the Erasmus+ project EQUALEDU meeting. The project is coordinated by the University of Malaga, Spain, a partner in the UNINOVIS alliance. Partners from Italy, the Czech Republic, and Portugal also took part in the meeting.

The project aims to identify issues related to affective-sexual disorders and gender diversity in health sciences, as well as to develop awareness strategies for the university community, healthcare professionals, and society at large.

The main objective of this meeting was to develop training activities for teachers and students focused on education, awareness, and sensitization regarding gender diversity. This international event provided valuable insights into the situation of the LGBTQI+ community in Malta and across Europe, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.

Beyond the formal sessions, the EQUALEDU meeting served as a unique platform for networking and collaboration. Informal discussions sparked ideas for future initiatives and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the importance of cross-border cooperation in promoting inclusivity. The event not only deepened participants’ understanding of LGBTQI+ issues but also inspired actionable steps toward fostering a more open and tolerant society.

During the visit, in addition to project activities, teachers had the opportunity to discuss strategies for improving study programs, promoting academic mobility, and exchanging best practices among lecturers and students. As all institutions involved in the EQUALEDU project offer physiotherapy or occupational therapy study programs, this collaboration was particularly relevant. For students, it was an excellent opportunity to connect with peers from different countries and universities, discuss potential exchange programs, and find motivation for international study experiences.