Young women empowered
The Girlology workshops have been active since 2011 and have impacted more than 27 000 women across South Africa.
Travelling across the country, hosting an incredible 80 workshops, empowering a total of 22 250 young and impressionable female youth, the 2015 Kotex Girlology workshops were a true success.
Not only were the girls in attendance inspired and motivated, they left feeling empowered, enlightened and energised; especially about being a woman and being provided with ‘the Ultimate Guide to Surviving and Thriving being a GIRL’.
The Girlology workshops have been active since 2011 and have impacted more than 27 000 women across South Africa.
At these workshops, young women aged 17 to 25 are educated and enriched with information to feel self-confident and inspired while learning about their femininity.
A unique characteristic about Girlology is that it covers topics that young women want to learn about.
The workshops did not shy away from subjects such as menstruation, breast cancer, substance abuse, gangsterism, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, HIV and Aids, dating, sex, and even exploring the young male psyche.
Navigating Life Orientation, an essential focus of these workshops, helps develop self-esteem for young women, who historically, have found it difficult to find their place in today’s fast-moving society.
20-year-old attendee Geeu said, “The Girlology workshop helped me to start believing in myself. I had many questions about things that I, as a woman, go through. My questions were all answered at the workshop. I left feeling inspired, positive and proud to be a woman.”
“I attended the Girlology workshop at a time in my life when I was not happy and quite depressed. The workshop encouraged me to love myself unconditionally and to remind myself every day that I am fabulous,” said 24-year-old Sanelisiwe.
Ms Karen Burt, the founder of Code Teen, Girlology and a professional life coach, said the workshops tackle serious subjects in a straight-forward way.
“Parents and teachers may be too shy or embarrassed to talk honestly about menstruation, drugs, sex or contraception. Yet these young women are entering a phase of life where they need information and answers. The 21st century is a minefield for young women and we aim to give them the tools to live their lives to the full, and to reach their maximum potential. Even though the topics may be serious, the ‘fun’ side of being a young woman is not forgotten,” said Ms Burt.
“Girlology is truly a powerful and indescribable programme. It allows a safe platform for girls to really open up and share and connect with their fellow peers. It captures the true essence of what every girl goes through in life, and then builds their confidence to believe in themselves. I would recommend Girlology to all institutions,” said Ms Marilize Olckers, the Programme Co-ordinator from the Department of Higher Education.
