The study session reinforced that girls and young women can effect positive change in their communities. The study session included knowledge and practical skills training necessary to work with girls and young women groups. Training on human rights, socialization, gender roles and stereotypes also took place. The participants held workshops on issues that included teenage pregnancy, body image and women’s sexual and human rights.

All participants were introduced to the ‘Empowering Young Women to Lead Change’ manual produced by the World YWCA to enable them to use this training tool not only at the study session, but also at their national associations.

The participants took part in field visits to local and national non governmental organisations which included the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) and women rights organisations based in Budapest. The week-long study

session was an excellent networking opportunity for young women from the YWCA movement to gather and share experiences and best practice tools from their respective European associations.

Related Links:

• World YWCA Priorities - Leadership Development
• Empowering Young Women to Lead Change: Training Manual
• If I Kept it to Myself: women intervene in a world of AIDS

External Links:

• Council of Europe - European Youth Centre
• COMPASS - A manual on human rights education with young people
• Nane Women's Rights Association - Hungary
• World Association of Girls Guide and Girls Scout