Safe Space Community Girls Circles
The Community Girls Circle is a structured program designed for adolescent girls.
It was first implemented with girls aged 12–18, creating a consistent, weekly space where participants could engage openly in a supportive environment. Each session is intentionally structured: a guided check-in circle, followed by skills-based engagement, including life skills, confidence-building, and practical knowledge that supports both personal development and future independence.
A core component of the program is art therapy. Through activities such as painting, drawing, and other forms of creative expression, participants are able to process emotions that are often difficult to articulate directly. This is supported by workshops and guest sessions covering areas such as self-esteem, school-life balance, feminism, the woman as a political being, stress management, exercise, hygiene, and self-care.
The first Circle was implemented in a community still experiencing the long-term effects of the 2017 mudslide. Years after the disaster, many families, particularly young girls, were still dealing with its social and psychological impact without sustained support. The program kept participants consistently engaged, assisted with school items, like school bags, uniforms and shoes, while providing an informal space for expression, reflection, and support.
The Community Girls Circle is currently on hold due to funding constraints. However, its impact has been sustained beyond the initial cohort. Follow-up engagement and reunions with participants have reinforced the need for continuity and expansion. The program remains open to support and partnerships to enable its continuation and scale.