GirlZone – “Let’s Grow Together”
A safe and inspiring space where adolescent girls learn, connect, and lead change in their communities.
GirlZone is more than a place — it’s an experience, a journey of growth, and a safe space that truly reflects every girl’s spirit.
Designed as a supportive, inspiring, and empowering environment, GirlZone provides adolescent girls with the opportunity to express themselves, share their stories, and develop essential life skills while building networks of mutual support. We believe that every girl has a voice that deserves to be heard, a chance that must be given, and a power that can drive change and creativity.
About the Program
GirlZone is an international and regional model adapted to the Palestinian context, focusing on girls aged 12–17 — a critical age group often overlooked despite their unique developmental needs.
Implemented in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the program draws inspiration from successful experiences in Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia, where similar safe-space initiatives for adolescent girls have proven effective in enhancing confidence, resilience, and participation.
In Palestine, GirlZone responds to the social, political, and security challenges faced by adolescent girls, especially in marginalized areas, by creating safe, protective, and inclusive spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Program Objective: To empower adolescent girls with knowledge, confidence, and life skills that support their holistic well-being and active participation in society.
Implementation Sites
- Palestinian Child Club – Kufr Ni’ma (Ramallah)
- Narsan Cultural Center – Yatta (Hebron)
- Jabal Al-Nar Center – Nablus
- Al-Zubeidat Youth Club – Jordan Valley - Jericho
Program Components
The program is delivered through 14–16 interactive sessions totaling 30 training hours, combining dialogue, experiential learning, and creative expression. It revolves around five key components:
- Adolescent Holistic Health – building awareness on mental well-being, emotional expression, healthy nutrition, physical activity, digital safety, and comprehensive sexual education.
- Equality and Social Justice – exploring gender roles, promoting women’s leadership and self-expression, and strengthening understanding of human rights and social equity.
- Future Pathways & Life Planning – supporting girls in discovering their strengths, planning academic and career goals, managing finances, and leading community-based initiatives.
- Community Initiatives – girls are encouraged to design and lead their own community initiatives that address local social or environmental challenges, translating what they have learned into real action. These initiatives promote teamwork, responsibility, and creativity while reinforcing girls’ roles as active change-makers in their communities.
- Educational & Field Visits – the program also includes educational and field visits to cultural, environmental, and community landmarks, inspiring a sense of belonging, civic participation, and leadership.
Methodology
- Establishing a girls’ advisory committee to ensure youth participation in planning and evaluation.
- Engaging parents and community members in selected activities to build a supportive environment.
- All sessions are implemented by local female facilitators and trainers to ensure trust, comfort, and cultural relevance.
- Documenting success stories and visual narratives through photos, videos, and testimonials.
- Encouraging girls to design and lead volunteer and community initiatives reflecting their learning journey.
Safe Spaces & Infrastructure
Each GirlZone center is equipped and rehabilitated with a dedicated, fully furnished room designed to be warm, safe, and creative — a true reflection of what every girl deserves: a space to learn, belong, and dream freely.
Through GirlZone, Sharek Youth Forum and UNFPA reaffirm their shared commitment to creating spaces where every girl can grow with confidence, dignity, and opportunity.
