Hidden Girls Netherlands

Mid-Term Update: Thank You for Supporting Hidden Girls

Your support is making a difference. Thank you for helping us reach more girls and young women.

From January to mid-June 2026, Move Forward Foundation delivered its Hidden Girls programme at nine shelter locations across the Netherlands. Through weekly trauma-sensitive dance and sports sessions, including boxing, we create safe spaces where girls and young women affected by violence and trauma can release tension, build confidence and connect with others.

During this period, we reached 85 girls and young women, delivered 137 workshops and recorded 606 participant attendances. We also welcomed 41 new participants, while many existing participants continued to attend.

The impact goes beyond physical activity. At several locations, coaches and care staff observed girls becoming more comfortable joining sessions, expressing their emotions and building friendships. The workshops offer a positive moment in their week: a place to move, feel safe and connect with others without having to talk directly about their experiences.

We are also continuing to strengthen our trauma-sensitive approach and support our coaches through specialist guidance and training. One important lesson so far is that the involvement of care staff makes a real difference in encouraging participation and helping girls feel comfortable.

Thank you for making this work possible. Your contribution helps us provide consistent, supportive spaces for young people who have experienced difficult circumstances. We aim to continue the programme through the end of 2026 and expand our reach in the years ahead, so that more young people can benefit from the power of movement.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Links:

• Short Documentary