Illuminate is a multifaceted social networking and empowerment project for girls belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan. It is an initiative taken in response to the growing concern of Pakistani religious minorities girls being discriminated in every day life, facing persecution and forceful conversions and lack of awareness of a rapidly changing world. All of these conditions contribute to
a decline in girls’ educational performance, health, and self-esteem, and invariably lead to lower life expectations for far too many girls. Illuminate is the starting point on a social change continuum that includes preventing violence against religious minorities girls in Pakistan, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and eliminating all other oppressive limits placed on the lives of girls. We have witnessed over the years, when girls develop a healthy self-image and the skills to protect themselves as pre-adolescents and adolescents, they are less likely to be abused or discriminated against. Our innovative project includes leadership development, creative and cultural expression, physical activity, exposure, personal defence and direct social networking. Illuminate members will learn about healthy choices and how to take control of their own lives, and in doing so become confident, informed, and powerful young women illuminating a path for other girls and young women.
