What’s your name and position?

Glenda Stevens, CEO of Fearless Women

Tell me about the purpose of Fearless Women?

Girls in the ACT experience the highest rate of psychological distress in the country – a state of emotional suffering or discomfort that interferes with the ability to cope.  It can be caused by environmental, genetic, and psychological influences including intersectional disadvantage, stress, trauma, or violence.

Fearless Women supports girls aged 10 to 25 to overcome these barriers empowering them to be socially and productively engaged, and to live their lives with confidence, courage, resilience, and hope… fearlessly.

How long have you been in Canberra, and what do you love about it?

I’ve lived in Canberra for 10 years and love how easy it is to live here. There’s so much to do – bushwalking at Mulligan’s Flat, visiting the Arboretum, museums, galleries, or catching a stage show, it’s all so accessible!

What’s a work moment that always makes you smile or how do you stay motivated on tough days?

It is all about the girls. Everything we do – from the colours in our logo to the language we use…is about connecting with and uplifting girls. Seeing a girl transform from withdrawn, uncertain and anxious to smiling and thriving, and participating is the most rewarding experience. The women who mentor are amazing – each unique, but with the same big heart.

One of my favourite stories is about Mia, a 16-year-old who lives with her grandmother. Two years ago Mia struggled with self-confidence and hope after a chaotic and violent childhood with parents who were substance users. She moved frequently, found it hard to make friends, and spent most of her time playing video games and talking to strangers online.

With the help of her Fearless Women mentor, Mia found stability, built self-belief, and blossomed. At her graduation, Mia said,
“I have lots of great memories. Amy has been the person I can tell anything to, my whole family appreciates everything she has done for me. Fearless Women and Amy helped me overcome so much. I am now working and happier than ever.”

How does your mentor program work, and what impact has it had?

Our 2-year Mentor program pairs girls who face significant challenges with volunteer mentors. They meet fortnightly, either one-on-one or in small groups.  Without judgement, mentors helps the girls work through their challenges, building self-knowledge, resilience, confidence, and a better understanding of themselves and their world.

What are the biggest challenges Fearless Women faces right now?

Our biggest challenge is financial sustainability. Without government funding for our Mentor and Education programs, we can’t meet the high demand – 200 girls remain on the waitlist for mentoring, and schools are asking for more education sessions than we can provide. This lack of funding highlights gender inequity, as equivalent programs for boys receive government support.

What do you see for the future of Fearless Women?

Fearless Women receives request for our programs from all over the country, even internationally. Its unique generalist gender approach reduces stigma and has been shown to be highly effective.  The rising stress, anxiety, violence and uncertainty faced by girls and young women underscore the need for our work to expand beyond Canberra.

If you had unlimited resources, what dream project would you take on?

I’d love to create a Fearless Women Roblox game – a safe, interactive and constructive space where girls can explore their strengths, engage with positive influences, and learn about themselves and their world, helping them build confidence and courage navigate the REAL world fearlessly.

What advice would you give to a young woman feeling overwhelmed or unsure about her present or future?

It’s OK to feel overwhelmed and unsure, you’re not alone. Reach out to someone; there’s always a community ready to help. It’s also OK not to have all the answers. The teenage years are a time of growth and exploration, and changing your mind is part of the process.

How can the community or other partners get involved with Fearless Women?

• Volunteer: Become a mentor and help change a young woman’s life. We provide all the training you need to be a GREAT mentor. If you are an adult, then you have faced challenges and can be a valuable support person to a young woman.
• Fundraise: Partner with us to raise funds. Businesses and individuals have raised funds through marathons, trivia nights, and office fun days to support Fearless Women
• Spread the word: Follow us on social media and share our programs to help us grow awareness as a new organisation.
• Share your skills: Host a 2-hour group activity to help our girls broaden their horizons and try something new. Canberra has so many talented people, and we’d love to hear from you!

 

Check out our website to read more: https://fearlesswomen.org.au/get-involved/