Walk & Talk (WAT) is an Erasmus+ Sport project that promotes physical activity, mental well-being, and social connection among young women and girls through Nordic walking.
The project responds to growing challenges such as physical inactivity, negative body image, and low self-esteem by offering an accessible, inclusive, and supportive way to engage in movement. By combining outdoor activity, community-building, and non-formal education, Walk & Talk creates a space where participants can improve both their physical and mental well-being.
What is Walk & Talk about?
Across Europe, many young women and girls face barriers to participating in sport — including lack of motivation, time, confidence, or safe and welcoming environments.
Walk & Talk addresses these challenges by introducing Nordic walking as a simple, inclusive, and non-competitive activity that can be adapted to different needs and fitness levels. Practiced outdoors and often in groups, it encourages both movement and meaningful social interaction.
Rather than focusing on performance, Walk & Talk promotes:
- healthy and enjoyable physical activity in nature
- improved self-confidence and positive body awareness
- social connection and supportive peer communities
- accessible sport opportunities for women and girls, including those with fewer opportunities
In addition, the project integrates environmental awareness into sport by combining walking with eco-friendly practices such as plalking (picking up litter while walking) and nature-based activities.
Project Objectives
The Walk & Talk project aims to empower young women and girls through accessible physical activity, while fostering well-being, confidence, and community. Other objectives are:
🚶♀️ Encourage physical activity by introducing Nordic walking as a simple and enjoyable way to stay active
💚 Support mental well-being and self-confidence through movement, nature, and social interaction
👭 Build communities of women and girls who engage in physical activity together
🌱 Promote eco-friendly practices by combining sport with environmental actions such as clean-up initiatives
🎓 Equip youth workers, trainers, and instructors with methods to engage women and girls in sport
🌍 Raise awareness of cultural and natural environments through outdoor activities across partner countries
Project Results
The Walk & Talk project has officially started with a kick-off meeting in November 2025 to promote The Walk & Talk project has officially started with a kick-off meeting in November 2025, bringing partners together to promote healthier lifestyles and inclusive sport participation.
Tthe project is already moving into action. An international training in Slovakia (April) will bring together sport professionals, youth workers, and educators to learn and exchange practices related to Nordic walking and inclusive sport approaches.
This training marks an important milestone, supporting the development of practical skills and strengthening cooperation across the partnership.
In addition, the project will organise:
- international training for sport instructors, youth workers, and educators
- local Nordic walking events in each partner country
- community-based activities combining sport, learning, and environmental action
These activities will create meaningful experiences for participants, benefiting both their physical and mental well-being, while helping to build a supportive and active community of women and girls across Europe.
What’s Next?
In the next phase of Walk & Talk, partners will focus on developing and refining the project’s long-term outputs and approach. A key outcome will be the Walk & Talk Handbook, which will include Nordic walking routes, non-formal education activities, and eco-friendly practices. This resource will be designed for both professionals and individuals, supporting the continuation of activities beyond the project. The Handbook will be based on insights gathered from project activities, including the international training and local events, ensuring it reflects real experiences and practical knowledge.
Alongside this, special focus will be given to raising awareness about the benefits of Nordic walking, especially during the European Week of Sport and World Cleanup Day, helping to extend the project’s impact to a wider audience.
Project Partners
The Walk & Talk project is implemented by a European partnership bringing together organisations working in sport, youth, and education:
- Slovak Nordic Walking Association (Slovakia) – Coordinator
- Association for Active Life and Education (Austria)
- Mladiinfo International (North Macedonia)
Together, the partners combine expertise in Nordic walking, non-formal education, and community engagement to support women and girls across different contexts.
Coordinator’s contact details
Slovak Nordic Walking Association (SNWA)
Lucia Okoličányová
E-mail: info@snwa.sk
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.