Action for Change hopes to create the UK’s largest girl-led advocacy network.
Teenage girls will be taught the skills they need to make a positive difference to society through an innovative new project.
Action for Change aims to inspire and empower young women by showing them how to take action on issues they care about.
In a weekend of workshops, 13-18-year-olds will be shown how to effectively use digital communications, influence decision makers and engage with the media to push for change.
They will also hear from other young campaigners about what inspired them to turn their ideas into action.
It’s so important that girls and young women are supported to speak out when they experience or witness inequality – because that’s how change happens
The project, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and run in partnership with Girlguiding Scotland, is being piloted in Edinburgh before being rolled out across the rest of the country.
Organisers say they eventually hope to create the UK’s “largest girl-led advocacy network”.
Sue Walker, Girlguiding Scotland's chief commissioner, said: "Empowering girls and young women to use their voice and take social action is at the heart of Girlguiding Scotland's values and programme.
“We want to support our young members to take social action to the next level by inspiring them to aim high, building their confidence to take action wherever their passion lies.
"I've seen the amazing difference our members make both in their own communities and beyond – from speaking out on issues such as mental health and body image to providing practical aid to refugees. I can't wait to see what our girls will go onto achieve will the skills and confidence they develop through this exciting new project."
Laura Bates, founder of Everyday Sexism, is among the project's high-profile backers.
She said: “It’s so important that girls and young women are supported to speak out when they experience or witness inequality – because that’s how change happens.
“I think it’s great that Girlguiding is launching Action for Change, as this will give even more girls and young women the opportunity to create the change they want to see.”
Talat Yaqoob, director of Equate Scotland, also welcomed the initiative.
She said: "We may have a woman First Minister and Prime Minister, but look below the surface and there are layers of inequality young women face.
"We need young women to feel powerful and know that they can change society for the better. Girlguiding has led the charge in listening and responding to the concerns of young women in the modern world.
"I’m delighted to support this initiative and look forward to meeting amazing girls and young women from all over Scotland at the Inspiration Weekend."
The event is open to all Girlguiding Scotland members aged between 13 and 18.
