Girls Empowerment Program (MEP) – filia. the women's foundation

The Girl Empowerment Program (MEP) of filia. die frauenstiftung supports nonprofit initiatives by and for girls, young women, and LBTIQ+ across Germany each year. A gender-balanced girls' advisory board aged 14 to 24 decides on the allocation of funds. With its participatory approach, the program creates opportunities for involvement for those who have personally experienced discrimination and promotes projects in the areas of women's advancement, children and youth, as well as social cohesion and democracy. Applicant organizations, interest groups, or associations can apply for grants to implement local and nationwide activities aimed at empowerment, self-organization, and intersectional perspectives.

Innovative ideas that enable participation and strengthen the target group's self-efficacy are supported. Examples include educational formats on legal topics, cultural workshops, creative and empowerment trainings, or awareness initiatives against gender-based violence. Through the open call, groups that have been less visible so far have the chance to leave their own mark and raise their voices in civil society and politics. The program places particular emphasis on incorporating the real-life experiences of the young decision-makers into the selection process, thus reflecting genuine needs. In this way, the funding contributes to sustainably improving the participation opportunities of girls, young women, and LBTIQ+ and further developing democratic co-determination.