New program set to empower young women

I’m With Her – Girls Space brings together women from all walks of life in a fun and interactive way.

But it also looks to overcome serious issues such as racism, discrimination, social isolation and mental health issues. 

Centre For Multicultural Youth worker Shani Cain said there were similar programs available for young women in Melbourne, but it was something that “really needed to be escalated” in regional areas. 

“We see there are lots of young men who get support through sport clubs but young women lack that community-centred focus,” she said.

“We identified a huge need in the community for women to come together and support each other, because they were quite isolated and when experiencing problems, they felt quite alone.”

Ms Cain said it was often the case that when one member of the group spoke up about a problem, it turned out a lot of members of the group were experiencing the same thing. 

The program meant the young women could work through these problems together or work towards change. 

Members are also encouraged to share their ideas and organise fortnightly activities. 

Already the group has held a picnic at Lake Wendouree and henna session for Harmony Fest.

The next event will be a movie night.

University student Benedicta Amedgenato is one of the group’s members. She became involved because she felt she needed to spend more time with girls. 

“If you get a lot of us together, we open up about the struggles we are having and the fun things we should do together,” she said.

“It is a very happy place, you get to know each girl and everybody is welcome – that way you get to know about other cultures as well.”

I’m With Her brings together women aged 12 to 25 and encourages involvement from marginalised members of the community. 

City of Ballarat, the Youth Services BYou team, Victoria Police, CMY and Ballarat Health Services are all behind the initiative.