Empowering ecuadorian girls for stopping violence

The Girls Club was created with the aim of providing a safe and enriching space for young girls to develop skills, share experiences, friendship and empowerment both personally and collectively. Throughout this period, several workshops and activities were conducted, focusing on various areas of interest and personal development.

In the early months of 2024, the call for participation in the Girls Club was launched, successfully registering 53 girls. Once registered, a meeting was convened to outline this community space, where schedules, duration, facilitators, meeting locations, and the general objective were shared, along with a brief overview of the year's planned activities. It is noteworthy that the number of registered girls has been successfully maintained.

Each workshop was designed to be interactive, playful, and practical, encouraging active involvement from the participants. Collaborative learning techniques and group dynamics were employed to foster participation. Key components included assertive and effective communication skills, social relationships, and personal empowerment. Most sessions concluded with group reflections, strengthening bonds and achieving self-esteem and self-awareness objectives.

During these workshops, the girls shared their worries and curiosities about puberty and adolescence, which often lead to misunderstandings and judgments within their community. They gained an understanding of the physical and emotional changes these stages bring, and through an artistic workshop where they painted before and after images of themselves noticing changes in their bodies, they learned to recognize and express how they were feeling about these changes. This process helped them embrace puberty as a natural phase of life without shame, accepting it as part of their journey into womanhood. Additionally, the workshops encouraged the girls to explore their own identities more deeply. They opened up emotionally to their peers, fostering stronger bonds among club participants. Each girl expressed her personal definition of womanhood through poetry, sharing interpretations freely without fear of judgment.

The older girls shared diverse experiences related to gender stereotypes and their impact on their lives. They reflected on how sexism influences their daily experiences, noting that as they grow older, their parents increasingly assign them household roles based on gender norms. In nearly 100% of cases, the girl's parents tell them they should find a husband to support them and submit to him. Through role-playing activities conducted in groups, the girls recreated behaviors observed in their parents, leading to reflections within each group about the implications of these roles.

It was particularly meaningful to witness each girl sharing personal stories about their families, ranging from moments of growth and support to challenges and hardships. These stories underscored the rich diversity of female experiences. Through this exploration, the girls contemplated what it means to be a woman within the context of family life. This process strengthened their sense of individual and collective identity, emphasizing the unique contributions they make to their families and communities.

An integration event was held at Samanes Park where the girls were divided into 5 groups, each choosing a name, motto, and captain. Through teamwork, they successfully completed various interactive games that required leadership and group collaboration to accomplish. This experience not only strengthened their collaborative abilities and leadership skills but also promoted teamwork and camaraderie among the participants in an enjoyable setting.

Additionally, the girls were taught about the significant role women have played in global history. They embarked on a historical journey through the lives and achievements of female leaders across different eras and cultures, such as Mother Teresa and Frida Kahlo. Through images and discussions about these iconic figures, the girls reflected on why these women are important in history and how their leadership has shaped societal perspectives and achievements. This experience helped them recognize the pivotal role women have historically played and promoted an appreciation for female leadership roles in society.

Thanks to the workshops, Socio Vivienda is transforming into a place where girls can empower themselves and take pride in their identity as women. These sessions have not only equipped them with practical skills but also fostered a sense of confidence and community among participants. By providing a supportive environment for personal growth and skill development, Socio Vivienda has become instrumental in nurturing young women who are confident, empowered, and ready to make a positive impact in their community and beyond.