A brand-new initiative, ‘Empower Her Now,’ is empowering young women from underserved backgrounds in Montreal to develop self-assurance, resilience, and leadership skills over the summer.
“I’ve found that people here are incredibly welcoming and accepting,” shared Radja Haidra, a 14-year-old participant. “There’s no judgment.”
The program consists of two groups, each engaging in five days of intensive workshops led by experienced facilitators and mentors.
Addressing a range of topics such as setting boundaries, public speaking, digital literacy, and more.
“I’m witnessing them step out of their comfort zones; it’s truly inspiring,” noted Manuela Rigaud Théodore, co-founder of Zen dans ma tête. “It’s just the fourth day, and they’ve already articulated their goals for the week and are conquering their fears.”
“They possess significance,” emphasized Théodore. “And they have the potential to achieve remarkable things.”
The initiative was a collaborative effort between Fondation Enfant Jeunesse (FEJ) Canada and Zen dans ma tête.
“When you first arrive, you face a barrier. By the end, we want you to shatter that barrier,” Gina Ferrus, Founder of FEJ, explained. “Discover the abundance of opportunities and paths that can shape your future.”
“And mold yourself into a future leader,” she added. “In your own life and community.”
The ultimate aim of the program is to instigate profound and enduring transformations, both in the participants’ lives and the communities they belong to.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this because not everyone can take that step to open up and become a strong leader,” expressed Haidra. “Being here allows me to explore and understand myself.”
