Conference call empowers young women

GIRLS and women from the four corners of the United Kingdom were welcomed to the region at the weekend.

They were attending the Young Women’s 4 Nations Conference in Stranraer from Friday to Sunday.

Starting on International Women’s Day, it brought together over 140 members of the Young Women’s Network from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland to participate in workshops, networking and activities and to hear from keynote speakers highlighting the importance of young women’s projects.

Vanessa Rogers delivered a powerful speech on the national context and importance of Young Women and Girls Work; Dumfries and Galloway Council chief executive Dawn Roberts also spoke and praised the young organisers for stepping forward, speaking out and shaping a brighter future for themselves and their peers; and there was an Empowering Conversations Q&A panel featuring Gillian Brydson, Carly Moffat, Tanya Ellis and Kelly Ross sharing key insights into their own personal journeys with female empowerment.

Meanwhile, participants took part in workshops on Celebrating Trailblazing Women, healthy relationships, self care, leadership and wellbeing.

The event also launched Dumfries and Galloway’s Young Women’s Strategy, setting out the region’s campaign for a safer and fairer world for young women and girls.

The inaugural conference was designed and delivered by the members of the DG Young Women’s Network, who were praised by Mid Galloway and Wigtown West Councillor Jackie McCamon, who said: “I had the honour of spending the day in the company of these amazing young women and can wholeheartedly say that their passion, knowledge and commitment is truly inspiring.

“I stand with them in their mission to create a safer, fairer and equal world where we can unlock the full potential of young women and girls.”

[caption id="attachment_51950" align="alignnone" width="680"]

SUPPORTIVE . . . some of the participants[/caption] THE new three-year strategy aims to create a fairer and safer region for and empower young women and girls locally. Designed by young people in this region, it takes the approach of addressing the unique challenges faced by young women and girls today, while harnessing their potential to drive positive change across our communities. And it encompasses a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, leadership and better access to opportunities in sport and the arts. The Young Women’s Network, who are supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Youth Work Service, will work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to implement the strategy and monitor its impact in this area. Alongside it, the network has put out a call to action, asking for individuals, businesses and organisations to come forward to pledge their support. They need volunteers to assist occasionally at events and help in different ways; as well as campaigners to speak out on things that matter, help to promote the project’s goals, raise awareness and attract attention to the cause. To pledge your support or for more information, get in touch at: [email protected]