Empowering Young Women at Project Athena

 Over the past few months, Project Athena has been creating a safe, supportive space for young women at RPT to build confidence, connect with one another and gain essential life skills. Through a series of inspiring workshops, participants have explored self-expression, resilience and financial independence—equipping them with the tools to navigate their futures with strength and self-belief.

Communication and Anti-Bullying & Building Healthy Relationships

The first Project Athena workshop centred on respectful communication and tackling the impact of bullying—both face-to-face and online. The girls took part in open, thoughtful conversations, sharing personal experiences in a safe and supportive space. Together, they explored how to recognise bullying behaviours and respond with confidence and care.

With social media now such a big part of everyday life, especially for young people, this session focused on helping participants navigate the complexities of online interaction. Project Athena is all about giving young women the tools they need to build resilience, form healthy relationships and understand that their self-worth isn’t defined by others' opinions—on or offline.

By the end of the session, the girls left feeling more empowered, better equipped to handle difficult situations and uplifted by the strong sense of community they had created together.

Peer Pressure & Goals

The third workshop focused on helping the girls navigate the challenges of peer pressure while staying true to their values. Through meaningful discussions, they gained insight into how to manage social pressures with confidence and integrity. Through the Gratitude Jar activity, they were encouraged to shift their focus to the positive aspects of their lives, promoting mental wellness and a deeper appreciation for the little things. One participant shared how the activity helped her find joy on a tough day at school, leaving everyone feeling rejuvenated and uplifted.

Building on this sense of positivity, the fourth workshop offered an empowering opportunity for the girls to visualise their future goals through vision boards. This creative exercise sparked motivation and provided a tangible way for them to connect with their dreams. Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the girls also wrote letters to women who inspire them, reinforcing the importance of positive role models and the value of mentorship.

Empowering Confidence and Financial Independence

In the fifth workshop, the girls took part in a photoshoot that focused on power poses, helping them see themselves as strong, confident and capable individuals. Combined with self-love affirmations, this activity fostered a healthier sense of self-worth and confidence. The workshop encouraged them to reflect on self-limiting beliefs and transform them into positive affirmations they can use every day, focusing on their strengths rather than their weaknesses.

Finally, the sixth workshop introduced the important life skill of financial independence. Through discussions on money management, budgeting and saving, the girls learned to make informed financial decisions that empower their future. One of the girls shared how the workshop helped her understand concepts like budgeting, which schools often overlook. This session also sparked a conversation on the scarcity versus abundance mindset, inspiring them to recognise that, no matter their background, they have the capability to attract financial abundance.

As we continue with Project Athena, we are proud to see the growth and empowerment of the young women involved. Each workshop has provided valuable insights and practical tools to help them build resilience, strengthen their self-belief, and navigate life's challenges with confidence. With the support of our community, we remain committed to creating a space where these young women can flourish, build lasting connections, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in the future.