The POLITIK-HER project bootcamp in Naples brought together five young women from each implementing partner country (Italy, Cyprus, Romania, Sweden) for an intensive and transformative experience aimed at empowering the next generation of female leaders. The bootcamp, held at the Dialogue Place, provided an opportunity for participants to develop essential skills in project management, leadership, and social impact.
One of the most powerful elements of the bootcamp was the opportunity for each participant to present her pilot action focused on young women and gender-related issues. These pilot actions are designed to be implemented in the coming year, with the goal of creating concrete, sustainable projects in their communities. By outlining these plans, participants gained valuable feedback and insights from their peers and mentors, allowing them to refine their ideas and develop actionable strategies for driving change.
The bootcamp also included an interdisciplinary tour of the Scampia neighborhood, organised by the MOSS Ecomuseo association. This tour provided the participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges and transformation within one of Naples’ most well-known districts. They learned about the ongoing efforts to foster resilience and social change in the area, which serves as a powerful example of community-driven empowerment. Additionally, the program included a guided tour of Naples, focused on the role of women throughout the city’s history.
Building Essential Skills for the Future
Throughout the bootcamp, the young women developed critical leadership, communication, and project management skills—key tools for creating inclusive, sustainable communities. The training sessions and workshops provided practical knowledge, allowing participants to build the confidence and capabilities needed to spearhead future projects that address gender inequality and youth empowerment.
In addition to empowering their skills, the participants benefited from an enriching cross-cultural exchange, sharing experiences and challenges with fellow young women from across Europe. The mentorship provided during the bootcamp also helped them establish networks and gain confidence in their abilities to create change within their communities.
The POLITIK-HER bootcamp was just the beginning of an exciting journey for these young women. In the coming year, they will work to implement their pilot actions, putting into practice the skills and strategies they developed during the program. The support of the network they built and the mentorship they received will be invaluable as they take the next steps toward creating concrete, sustainable projects that empower young women and address gender-related issues in their communities.