EmpowHER Junior (EJ) 2024: Changemakers Take Action!

From June 24th to 26th, EmpowHER Junior (EJ) 2024 witnessed a remarkable display of initiative and impact as the changemakers brought their Service Impact Idea (SII) projects to life. These young changemakers, brimming with purpose and dedication, tackled various social issues affecting girls in their respective communities.

Triumvirate: Shattering Stereotypes with ‘You Are a Girl’

Our EmpowHER Junior (EJ) 2024 changemakers, namely: Angel Tandukar, Sunakshi K.C., and Sunayana Khatiwada united under the project name ‘You are a Girl,’ to combat gender stereotypes among girls aged 12-16 years at Aksharaa School. Their project recognized the limitations imposed by the phrase ‘You are a girl’ and its deep-rooted connection to societal norms.

Through a dynamic four-hour session, they employed a range of engaging activities and empowered 57 girls to recognize and challenge these stereotypes. Audio clips, games, discussions debunking myths, problem-solving exercises, and an essay competition formed the core of their initiative. By actively participating, the participants gained valuable awareness and the tools to break free from limiting beliefs.

Powerpuff Girls: Kicking Down Barriers in Sports

The ‘Powerpuff Girls’ group of changemakers, comprising of Mehek Joshi, Sazda Adikari, Shirsty Acharya, and Arpana Manandhar, chose a cause close to many girls' hearts: participation in sports. Their Service Impact Idea (SII) project materialized as an inter-school girls' football tournament for ages 13-16 where a total of 24 girls had participated. This project bravely challenged societal stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing football.

The tournament addressed the critical issue of limited physical activity opportunities for girls, impacting their self-confidence and perpetuating gender biases. By fostering a supportive environment dedicated to girls' football, the Powerpuff Girls aimed to dismantle these stereotypes and empower participants to pursue their athletic interests with full confidence.

Girl Rangers: Saying No to Bullying!

The detrimental effects of bullying on mental health and academic performance were the focus of the ‘GIRL RANGERS’ Service Impact Idea (SII) project, spearheaded by Niyati Neupane, Rajsi Panthi, Marine Thokar, and Aakriti Kushwaha. Their project targeted students aged 12 to 15 years at Aksharaa School encompassing 35 students in total from the two sections of grade 7.

Through a thoughtfully curated program of educational discussions, encouraging learning in the attendees with an interactive activity of incorporating skits in the session designed to identify bullying behaviors, promoting awareness and prevention, the Girl Rangers empowered students to recognize, prevent, and effectively address bullying. Creating a safe space for sharing experiences and installing a message box near the counselor's office were crucial steps toward ensuring long-term support and intervention. Ultimately, this project equipped students with the knowledge and skills to tackle bullying, fostering a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being, academic success, and a strong sense of belonging for all participants

Super Girls: Promoting Understanding of Gender Identity

The ‘Super Girls’ group, consisting of Sumiran Pandit, Samriddhi Sanjel, Binisha Moktan, and Swikriti Khadka, prioritized raising awareness and fostering understanding of gender identity as well as self-love for their Service Impact Idea (SII) Project. They executed their Service Impact Idea (SII) project in three different schools namely Aksharaa School (28 students), Darshana School (16 students), and Vidhya Bikash School (35 students), with a total outreach of 79 students.

Their project offered a comprehensive exploration on the topic of understanding different gender identities, the importance of self-love and affirmations. They incorporated fun activities in their sessions including quizzes regarding gender identities as well as poster-making activities to encourage the students to practice self-affirmations

The EmpowHER Junior (EJ) 2024 weekend was a resounding success, showcasing the dedication and potential of young women to create positive change. These changemakers serve as an inspiration to us all, and their impactful projects pave the way for a more equitable and empowered future.

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