Realizing one of the themes of the International Day of the Girl, this project has centered the voices, experiences, and opinions of girls, considering their diversity, multiple identities, and varied backgrounds, to imagine and build a better world inspired and led by them to ensure gender equality in the Latin American region.
Through this unique project, girls from Ecuador, Brazil, and El Salvador have been supported on their journey to speak up for themselves and other girls in their schools and communities, becoming agents of change. This has been achieved through 8 Girls for Girls clubs and Conversation Circles, that engaged more than 283 girls in a dialogue about critical issues such as digital gender divide, climate justice, violence against women and girls. These platforms have provided a safe space for the girls to share their experiences, exchange best practices, and collaboratively develop practical solutions.
The project has successfully empowered girls by strengthening their capacities and resilience and providing them with the tools to analyze their social contexts, advocate for their rights, and amplify their voices in advocacy actions. This empowerment was highlighted by the participation of two girls from Ecuador and Bolivia as moderators in a girl-led panel during the Commission on the Status of Women session in March 2023, where they discussed “Girls and Women Impacting the Digital Revolution.”
Through participation in the project, the girls have not only gained confidence in exercising their rights but also in negotiating for them and voicing their concerns. The Girls for Girls clubs have expanded their horizons, enabling them to share ideas, envision a better future, and challenge social and cultural barriers in their communities and countries. By raising awareness about the root causes and consequences of discrimination and exclusion, the project aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for girls in Latin America.
In addition, 358 girls participated in specialized training sessions focused on personal development and life skills. These sessions have been instrumental in building their resilience, educating them about their rights, and promoting safety and protection both at home and in school. To further promote a safe and inclusive environment at school and foster a culture of peace, 55 boys were also included in the activities, through which they were taught values that emphasize rights, responsibilities and respect for differences.
