FNF South Asia brings back 'Female Forward' for its 2nd Edition

• An International Girls' Empowerment Programme for Strengthening Democracy

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) South Asia is pleased to announce the second edition of its International Girls’ Empowerment Programme, Female Forward, taking place in New Delhi from April 23 to 26, 2025. Inspired by the spirit of German Girls’ Day, this initiative is FNF’s continued effort to amplify young girls’ voices in civic and democratic spaces and nurture future leadership rooted in equality, liberty, and inclusion.

Building on the resounding success of the first Female Forward held in October 2024, the 2025 edition expands in scale and diversity, bringing together 16 girls from five countries – India, Germany, Austria, Nepal and the Tibetan exile community. The first edition proved to be a transformative experience for participants, who returned as more confident, informed and inspired individuals. Encouraged by this impact, FNF South Asia is proud to carry the initiative forward with renewed energy and international collaboration.

One of our delegates from Nepal, Isha Gurungain, will be attending our Girls’ Day tour. She is an 8th-semester business student at Tribhuvan University with a strong interest in liberal values, market economics, and women’s empowerment. Through her involvement with Bikalpa – an alternative, and her research fellowship at Samriddhi Foundation, she has actively engaged with these themes and continues to explore their intersection to drive meaningful change.

At the heart of Female Forward 2025 is the goal to foster political and social engagement among young girls. Through interactive workshops, institutional visits, and conversations with policymakers, participants will gain first-hand experience of how democracy functions. They will be trained and encouraged to speak up, lead, and participate actively in civic and political life.

A core element of the programme is to raise awareness about the importance of girls’ empowerment. It challenges the traditional boundaries placed on girls and offers a platform where their potential is recognised and celebrated. By uplifting these voices, Female Forward contributes to a broader global push toward gender equality and inclusive leadership.

The initiative is designed to offer a platform for girls from diverse backgrounds to engage in dialogue and share experiences. With participants ranging in age, academic focus, and national origin, the programme fosters a cross-cultural exchange that is both enriching and empowering. Whether from urban centres or remote communities, each participant brings a unique voice to the collective experience.
 
FNF continues to demonstrate its long-standing commitment to supporting girls’ rights and expanding their opportunities. As a liberal foundation working globally to promote freedom and democracy, FNF believes that investing in young women is essential to building sustainable democratic societies.

Finally, Female Forward 2025 aims to build partnerships with schools, educators and civil society actors. Participating schools are encouraged to share the stories of their students’ involvement, and the girls themselves will contribute articles and reflections to help spread the message of empowerment through newsletters and online platforms.

The itinerary includes visits to the Indian Parliament and meetings with Members of Parliament, civil society leaders, and experts. FNF is providing full logistical support for all participants, along with a written commitment to document and share their experience.

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