Girls Foward

Girls Forward Impact Report 2024 – Summary

Girls Forward Impact Report 2024 – Summary

The Girls Forward Impact Report 2024 highlights the achievements and impact of the organization’s work empowering girls and young women in Amsterdam. Founded by Zaitoon Shah in 2014, Girls Forward focuses on inspiring, educating, and empowering girls aged 10–27 through workshops, mentorship, sports, and community programs that support personal growth, self-confidence, and leadership.

Overall Impact
In 2024, Girls Forward significantly expanded its reach and impact. The organization recorded 1,160 program participations and engaged 176 unique girls across its activities. Participants represented more than 20 different cultural backgrounds, demonstrating the organization’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The programs aim to help girls:
- Build confidence and resilience
- Discover their talents and develop life skills
- Expand their social networks
- Make positive life choices and pursue education and leadership opportunities

Key Programs in 2024
Girls Night
A flagship empowerment program where girls participate in weekly workshops focused on identity, self-confidence, relationships, and future planning. The curriculum consists of 25 sessions across themes such as Healthy Girls, Identity, Self-development, and Future goals.

Healthy Girls Leadership Program
A sports-based leadership program for girls aged 12–18. Sports such as football, boxing, and dance are used as tools to develop life skills, confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

Women Forward (18+)
An empowerment program for young women focusing on independence, financial literacy, mental health, entrepreneurship, and personal development.

Mother–Daughter Program
Monthly events designed to strengthen the relationship between mothers and daughters through shared activities and conversations.

Girls Forward Coaching
Individual coaching trajectories that provide personal guidance for girls dealing with challenges such as study choices, stress, career planning, or starting a business.

Measured Outcomes
Impact measurements show improvements in several areas including increased self-confidence, improved communication and boundary-setting, better physical health and participation in sports, and greater awareness of talents and future opportunities. Participants reported feeling more comfortable expressing themselves and making decisions about their future.

Partnerships and Collaborations
Girls Forward strengthened collaborations with several organizations in 2024 including Nike and Dove, who supported the Body Confident Sport program, Liberty Global which hosted technology and entrepreneurship workshops, and the Amsterdam Youth Academy which supported professional development within youth work.

Key Milestones
Major highlights of 2024 included celebrating 10 years of Girls Forward, launching the Women Forward program for young women aged 18+, participating in a documentary about girls’ empowerment produced by NPO and KRO-NCRV, and securing a sixyear municipal subsidy from the City of Amsterdam for programs running from 2025–2030.

Contribution to Global Goals
Girls Forward contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.

Looking Ahead
In 2025, Girls Forward plans to further expand its impact through new initiatives such as mentorship programs, additional school partnerships, mental health retreats, and professional training programs for youth workers.

Overall Conclusion
The 2024 report shows that Girls Forward continues to grow as an important community organization supporting girls’ empowerment. Through diverse programs, partnerships, and research-informed methods, the organization helps young women build confidence, develop skills, and create opportunities for their future.

• Impact Report 2024 (PDF)