Young Women Shaping Democracy: Reflections from the Focus Group in Kaunas
We recently kicked off the “Girls in Democracy” project with our first activity bringing together young women for a focus group dedicated to exploring their role in democratic life across Europe.
The session brought together 25 young women and created a safe, inclusive, and open space where participants felt comfortable sharing their experiences, ideas, and perspectives. The atmosphere encouraged honest reflection on what participation, leadership, and civic engagement mean in their everyday lives.
Creating Space for Meaningful Dialogue
Throughout the focus group, participants explored how they are currently engaging in their communities – whether through school activities, workplaces, volunteering, or informal initiatives. They spoke about the factors that inspire them to get involved, from personal values and social responsibility to the desire to make a tangible difference in their surroundings.
At the same time, the discussion highlighted that participation is not always straightforward. While many young women are motivated and willing to engage, their opportunities and experiences are often shaped by external barriers, limited access to information, or a lack of encouragement.
Understanding Leadership and Empowerment
A key part of the session focused on leadership – not only in traditional terms but as a broader concept connected to initiative, confidence, and influence. Participants reflected on what it means to take the lead in different contexts and how leadership can manifest in everyday actions, from speaking up in group settings to initiating community projects. The conversation also emphasized civic empowerment. Participants shared their thoughts on how young women can move beyond passive participation to actively shaping decisions, influencing policies, and contributing to meaningful change. This exchange revealed both the potential and the gaps that still exist in supporting young women as leaders.
Navigating Civic and Advocacy Challenges
Another important topic was the development of civic and advocacy skills. Participants openly discussed the challenges they face when trying to engage with institutions or decision-making processes. Many described these systems as complex, unclear, or difficult to access – sometimes even intimidating. These reflections highlighted a crucial need: clearer pathways, better communication, and more supportive environments that enable young people, especially young women, to engage confidently and effectively in civic life.
Shaping Future Learning Opportunities
The focus group concluded with a forward-looking discussion on training and capacity-building. Participants shared their ideas on what kind of support would help them grow as active citizens. Suggested topics included communication and public speaking, advocacy strategies, understanding democratic processes, and building confidence in leadership roles. Their contributions provided valuable insights into how future training programs can be designed to better respond to real needs – ensuring they are practical, relevant, and empowering.
Moving Forward Together
The insights gathered during this focus group will play a key role in shaping the next stages of the “Girls in Democracy” project. By centering the voices and experiences of young women, the project continues to build more inclusive, responsive, and impactful activities. Ultimately, this initiative is not only about participation – it is about strengthening confidence, amplifying voices, and creating opportunities for young women to actively contribute to democracy in meaningful and lasting ways.
The project is co-financed by the European Commission through the CERV programme.
