Over 350 girls from rural and small urban areas are being taught how to deal with challenges such as bullying and human trafficking through a new edition of the Fearless Girls Network project.
The project is implemented by the Progress Foundation in partnership with Societe Generale Global Solution Centre Romania. The initiative aims to contribute to the development of teenage girls through education, activism and increased self-esteem, according to a press release sent by the foundation.
"Public and school libraries across the country were eligible, and the project is currently running free of charge for 355 girls from rural and small urban areas in 35 localities in 18 counties across the country, with local public libraries serving as support points - safe and friendly spaces dedicated to education and personal development," conveys the cited source.
The topics covered in the new edition of the project are: bullying, human trafficking, relational health (types of abuse), anxiety management, assertive communication, fake news and fact checking, the role of movement and sport in adolescence, identity and gender equality, and active citizenship.
The project is aimed at girls aged between 10 and 16. According to a study conducted on a convenience sample of over 100 respondents, 53% of them are victims of verbal abuse. In addition, 39% of them are frequently insulted or despised, and 47% are concerned about their future.
"The Fearless Girls Network is a project that contributes to empowering and encouraging the beautiful and fragile half of Romania, teenage girls and pre-teens in rural and small urban areas. We are shaken and shocked when we see crimes motivated by hatred, abuse, or violence and aggression against girls and women. The antidote is not just mobilization and debate on social media, but concrete actions in the communities of origin, interventions at the grassroots level," said Camelia Crisan, CEO of the Progress Foundation.
The topics of discussion are presented by specialists in the form of podcasts, and the concepts are reinforced through creative activities and games. At the end of this journey, the girls will organize a civic event focused on a community need they have identified.
"The Fearless Girls Network is about recognizing your voice, having the courage to get involved, and growing together. We believe that self-esteem and active citizenship are cultivated when girls are encouraged to believe in themselves and take action for change," said Bianca Ionescu, project manager.
Since 2022, over 2,300 girls from rural and small urban areas have benefited from this project. AGERPRES
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