Empowering young girls within a community is crucial for fostering future generations of confident, capable and resilient women. When young girls are given opportunities to explore their potential and passions, they develop a sense of self-worth and agency that can shape their paths for years to come.
It has been said many times during conferences on gender equality here – and around the world – that providing young girls with the tools, support and encouragement to pursue their dreams not only benefits the girls themselves, but also strengthens the entire community.
By investing in the empowerment of young girls, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators and change-makers, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Continuing their mission to inspire transformative change in the Sultanate, GirlUp (BruGen) has taken another bold step to empower young girls by igniting their passions and expanding their horizons.
IGNITING DREAMS
Under the Young Wisdom Institute (YWI), the organisation recently brought a wave of inspiration through simple interactive activities to the Kampong Bolkiah ‘B’ Community Centre in Kampong Ayer, encouraging young girls to explore diverse career paths and embrace their potential with confidence.
The event was a lively affair participated by 24 girls aged eight to 12 who were buzzing with excitement as they embarked on a day of discovery and fun.
“The success of the YWI event was a true community effort, supported by generous sponsorship and volunteer work,” shared President of GirlUp BruGen Qestenna.
Spearheaded by Munirah, the focal person from the GirlUp (BruGen) Events Department, the YWI was thoughtfully designed to inspire the girls to explore different career paths in a playful and engaging environment.
This initiative struck a perfect balance between education and enjoyment, offering the girls a chance to dip their toes into various professions they might one day pursue, while boosting their confidence and nurturing new skills along the way.
Of course the YWI was further enriched by the dedication of 11 volunteers from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), all under the nurturing guidance of Melda. Their enthusiasm and care ensured that the day’s activities flowed seamlessly, creating an atmosphere where the girls could fully engage and enjoy themselves.
The event’s collaborative spirit was evident from the outset, with Stella from Bleed Safely lending her support during the early planning stages, further highlighting the community-driven effort that made YWI truly special.
The day began with an ice-breaking session led by Munirah, where the girls shared their dreams and ambitions.
A DAY OF EXPLORATION
Tossing a toy ball around, they revealed their dream jobs and what they loved about being girls. This simple yet powerful exercise fostered a sense of community, reminding them that their dreams are worth pursuing.
The activities that followed were carefully crafted to introduce the girls to different professions. From zoologists to hairdressers, the girls experienced a “day in the life” of various careers.
Highlights included a zoology session where the girls donned balloon animal headbands, mimicked animal sounds, and engaged in imaginative play. In the medical session led by Bazlaa, the girls pieced together toy organs, learning about the human body in an interactive and fun way. Meanwhile, Qesty guided the girls through a house-building activity, racing to build a cup pyramid, which combined dexterity and strategic thinking.
Architect Ariesya led a session where the girls built toy straw houses, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
The hairdressing activity, led by Qamarina, had the girls experimenting with hair accessories, culminating in a lively fashion show where they proudly displayed their creations.
The day ended with a painting session led by Rina, where the girls unleashed their creativity through watercolour and finger painting, connecting with their artistic side in a relaxed, playful environment.
This event was not just a day of fun but a journey of exploration, inspiring the girls to pursue their dreams with confidence and creativity.
The YWI’s event was more than just a playful gathering – it was a launch-pad for young girls to delve into their interests, ignite their confidence, and truly believe that their dreams are attainable.
A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
Through hands-on activities that mirrored real-world professions, the girls were given a rare opportunity to step into various roles, transforming career exploration into an engaging and stress-free experience.
Munirah, the passionate project initiator, shared her vision behind the event: “Our goal was to uplift these girls by helping them discover their passions through games and play. “We wanted to show them that they could become anything they aspired to be, whether a doctor, an architect, or even a zoologist.
“By providing this experience, we hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams with unwavering confidence.” This event stood as a powerful demonstration to the impact of community support and the crucial role of nurturing young minds. The YWI not only crafted a day filled with fun and learning but also laid the foundation for these girls to continue exploring their passions long after the event.
The lessons imparted will undoubtedly follow them as they grow, empowering them to become the women they dream of being. – Izah Azahari
