On December 20, 2024, the European Consultative Body for Migrant Girls’ Civic Engagement was officially established under the VOC – Voices of Change project. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring that migrant and refugee-background girls across Europe have a platform to voice their perspectives, engage in civic life, and shape policies that affect their futures.
Comprising 84 members from 16 European countries—Estonia, France, Italy, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Romania, Cyprus, Denmark, Lithuania, and Germany—the Consultative Body brings together young migrant and refugee-background girls alongside local peers. This diverse composition reflects a commitment to true inclusion, ensuring that girls from different backgrounds collaborate, learn from each other, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on civic and democratic participation.
The establishment of this body was preceded by an Online Workshop on November 15, 2024, where partner organizations and selected members convened to outline the Consultative Body’s mission and objectives. This meeting reinforced a collective commitment to fostering equal representation, amplifying migrant girls’ voices, and addressing the systemic barriers that often hinder their full participation in society. At the heart of this initiative lies the recognition that diversity is a strength, and empowering migrant girls as active citizens contributes to building a more inclusive, democratic, and socially cohesive Europe.
To support the work of the Consultative Body, a European Charter for Migrant Girls’ Civic Engagement has been drafted, outlining the principles, mission, and organizational framework guiding this initiative. This Charter serves as a blueprint for fostering leadership, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that migrant girls’ voices are not only heard but also actively shape the future of European societies. The Charter is now available for download in PDF format.
The European Consultative Body is not just a symbolic initiative; it is a dynamic and action-oriented platform that will provide training, mentorship, and policy engagement opportunities for its members. As the project progresses, the 84 young leaders will participate in training programs, contribute to advocacy efforts, and collaborate with policymakers to drive change at both national and European levels. Through this initiative, the VOC – Voices of Change project paves the way for a new generation of empowered young women, ready to lead, advocate, and build a more inclusive Europe.
Stay tuned for updates on the activities and achievements of the European Consultative Body for Migrant Girls’ Civic Engagement—and join us in supporting a more equal and representative future!
LINK to the project webpage!
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