For as long as she could remember, Elira, a 17-year-old from Berat, had been taught that certain conversations weren’t meant for girls. In her family and community, discussions about gender equality, leadership, and women’s rights were rarely held openly, and when they were, they often ended with the familiar phrase: “That’s just how things are for women.”

Elira had always been a good student, eager to learn, but she noticed a difference in how opportunities were given to boys and girls. Her younger brother was encouraged to pursue his dreams, while she and her older sister were expected to focus on home responsibilities. When her sister expressed a desire to go to university, there was resistance from the family. “Education is important,” her father said, “but for a girl, marriage and family come first.” That moment stuck with Elira—it made her question why her ambitions would ever be seen as less important than a boy’s.

When she heard about the EmpowerHer – Mother-Daughter Club, she was curious but unsure. She had never been involved in anything related to leadership or gender rights, and she wasn’t sure if she could even speak up in a room full of people. But when a close friend invited her, she decided to attend, sitting quietly in the back at first.

The first few sessions were eye-opening. She listened as facilitators spoke about gender-based violence, mental health, and leadership, topics that had rarely been discussed in her school or home. For the first time, she realized that the experiences she and other girls faced weren’t just individual struggles—they were part of a bigger social issue.

Slowly, she began to participate more, raising her hand to ask questions, sharing small opinions, and engaging in group discussions. She realized she had something to say—and that her words mattered. Her confidence grew when she saw other girls just like her speaking up, challenging outdated beliefs, and standing firm in their rights.

Her turning point came when the club planned a peer-to-peer awareness session at her school. When the facilitators asked for volunteers to speak in front of the group, Elira hesitated. The thought of standing in front of her classmates and talking about gender equality felt overwhelming. What if they didn’t listen? What if they judged her?

But something inside her pushed forward. She thought about her sister, about the conversations she wished she had growing up, and about all the times she had stayed silent when she wanted to speak. So, she stepped up and spoke.

For the first time, her classmates saw her not as the quiet girl who never spoke up, but as a leader. She shared her own experiences, how she once believed that her opinions didn’t matter, but through the club, she found the courage to use her voice.

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Other students approached her afterward, telling her how much they related to her story. Some even said they wanted to join the club after hearing her speak.

That day changed Elira. She realized that leadership is not about being the loudest—it’s about being brave enough to speak when it matters. Now, she actively leads peer-to-peer activities, helping other young girls find their voices just as she found hers. She dreams of becoming a teacher or community leader, someone who can continue to break barriers and uplift young girls like herself.

Her story is a testament to the power of opportunity, confidence, and community support. Through the YWCA initiative, Elira transformed from a silent observer to an advocate for change, proving that when young women are given the right tools and encouragement, they can become powerful voices in their communities.

Note: For the purpose of maintaining anonymity, the name has been changed. Meanwhile, the entire story is based on real experiences.

This story was written as part of the project “Empower Her: Uniting generations to bring change”, financially supported by the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.