Yangyel Lhaden

Thirty-three young girls, aged 13 to 18, are attending a week-long winter engagement programme titled “Menchung Bum: Rise and Shine”, organised by Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW).

This youth engagement initiative, which concludes tomorrow, aims to empower young girls to grow into confident and capable individuals by fostering self-development, building practical skills, and encouraging them to support others.

A RENEW official said that adolescence is a transformative phase marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. “Recognising the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young women during their formative years, this programme aims to equip them with essential life skills, boost their self-esteem, and provide valuable knowledge.”

For many participants, the programme offered a safe space to address struggles such as bullying, self-expression, parental pressures, and body shaming.

The sessions focused on self-development, self-identity, writing affirmation journals, peer counseling, and the importance of communication, among others.

Sessions also focused on conflict resolution, cyber safety, and body positivity, encouraging participants to embrace and feel confident in their own skin.  Sessions on self identity and body positivity encouraged the girls to embrace their individuality and build resilience.

Initially, many girls were shy and hesitated to speak. However, as the programme progressed, interactive sessions, practical exercises, and group activities helped participants open up and actively engage.

Fourteen-year-old Tshering Yangzom said that she struggled with self-esteem due to her fear of judgment from others. “The session on self-awareness and confidence-building helped me speak up and I have never spoken as much as I did here,” she said.

She particularly valued a mirror exercise where participants were encouraged to say positive things about themselves by looking at the mirror. “It was the first time I complimented myself. I told myself, ‘I am enough. I will never give up. Be positive.’”

Pema Lhazin, 18, a Class XII graduate, also tried the mirror exercise at home. “I told myself not to be too hard on myself, to do my best, and that I am always enough, even when I doubt myself.”

Meanwhile, 13-year-old Pema Yesel admitted she was still working up the courage to try the exercise. “I lack confidence now, but I will try it when I am older.”

Participants also spoke about the challenges of growing up in the digital age, where social media, peer pressure, and unrealistic expectations often affect mental well-being. They found the programme’s focus on self-esteem and critical life skills refreshing compared to traditional school lessons.

“It is different from what we learn in school. Here, we go deeper into life values. I have started journaling to maintain positive affirmations,” said Pema Lhazin.

Tshering Yangzom said that problem-solving was a challenge for many young girls. “We did not know how to solve problems, and it made us very sad. The conflict resolution session taught us there are many ways to overcome difficulties.”

Some participants suggested expanding the initiative to include sessions for parents. “Parenting plays a huge role in shaping us, but it is hard to communicate our feelings to our parents,” one girl said.

RENEW plans to continue such initiatives to empower adolescent girls with tools to navigate life’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities. By focusing on self-development, ICT skills like cyber safety, and helping skills, the organisation aims to nurture a generation of resilient, skilled, and compassionate young women.