"Be a brave woman!" workshops on self-esteem and sexual education in Hungary

Contact

Hungary (Association of Hungarian Girl Guides)

Description

Needs: After a survey among our members we recognized how important was to educate girls on gender and sexual issues because of social traditions("taboo"- topic) and the lack of knowledge about it.

Activity: We organized three one day workshops in 2007-2008. During the events we focused on:
- building and strenghtening self esteem
- promoting gender equality and empowerment of women
- sexual education (including STDs and HIV/AIDS

The target group consisted of rangers, leaders, adult members and young women interested in the theme, so we used these workshops as recruitment tool as well. We are continuing this successful project in the coming triennium.

Achievements

- Empowerment and improvement of self-esteem of our members took part in the project
- Girl Guiding is a platform in Hungary where girls and women can talk about gender issues and sex without any fear
- New members (age group: young adults)

Challenges

The need and the main challenge we faced was the fear and the lack of knowledge of girls and women on sex related questions( low self- esteem, poor school education, lack of platforms). But improving their self- esteem and awareness they have become "brave" girls and women.:-)

Advice

Explore the importance of gender and sexual education and the role what Guiding/Scouting can play in this field. We have the power and knowledge to fill the possible gaps of family and school education. Girls need it!