In a powerful collaboration between the Global Student Forum (GSF) and the Swiss National Youth Council (SNYC), the Womentoring Workshop recently unfolded in Switzerland, marking a milestone in empowering young women in youth and student politics to claim their space in leadership roles. The week-long workshop, held from October 8th to October 14th, 2023, brought together 50 young women aged 18-30 from various backgrounds, fostering an environment of knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and empowerment.
The Vision of Womentoring
The vision of Womentoring was rooted in addressing the status quo and shedding light on power relations and structural marginalization affecting young women. The workshop delved into the underlying mechanisms leading to exclusion, offering participants a comprehensive 360° analysis of the challenges they face. With a keen focus on creating sustainable change, the program aimed to identify exclusive mechanisms hindering participation within organizations and develop tools for impactful transformation.
A Collaborative Learning Environment
Womentoring provided a platform for participants to engage interactively, sharing their experiences and realities. The workshop recognized the diverse backgrounds of the participants, encouraging a rich exchange of perspectives and insights. The inclusive nature of the program emphasized that no prior knowledge on the subjects was required, but a strong motivation to participate was essential.
Building an International Network of Expertise
A key aspect of Womentoring was the establishment of an international network designed to provide ongoing expertise, support, and empowerment for young women. By connecting participants with a global community, the workshop aimed to create a lasting impact, fostering collaboration and solidarity beyond the event itself.
Financial Support and Inclusivity
The workshop was made accessible to participants, as all costs, including travel expenses, were covered by SNYC. The commitment to inclusivity was reflected in the application process, with a special focus on diversity during participant selection.
Programme Highlights
- Arrival Day (Sunday, October 8th): Participants gathered in Switzerland, ready to embark on a transformative journey.
- Setting the Stage and Space (Monday, October 9th): The workshop commenced with setting the tone for the week and creating a conducive space for learning and collaboration.
- 360° Analysis of the Status Quo (Tuesday, October 10th): Participants engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and barriers faced by young women today.
- Glass Ceilings in Our Organization (Wednesday, October 11th): The focus shifted to identifying and addressing exclusive mechanisms hindering participation within organizations.
- Claiming the Space (Thursday, October 12th): Empowering participants to assert themselves and actively participate in their respective environments.
- Actions, Evaluations & Wrap-Up (Friday, October 13th): Participants collaboratively devised actionable plans for sustainable change, followed by evaluations and a wrap-up.
- Departure Day (Saturday, October 14th): Participants departed, equipped with new skills, insights, and a strengthened network.
Expression of Gratitude to Movetia
The success of Womentoring was made possible through the financial support of Movetia, an organization dedicated to promoting exchange, mobility, and cooperation within education, training, and youth work. The collaboration between Movetia GSF and SNYC serves as a beacon for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment on a global scale.
