Big Sister, Little Sister—growing stronger together
Growing up as a girl in North Macedonia comes with many challenges. ”Girls often grow up with social expectations and stereotypes that limit their confidence, choices and opportunities to participate in the community,” says Jasmina Trajcheva from OWMSVN.
– Many girls also lack information, opportunities and support to get involved and be active in their communities, especially in smaller or rural areas, says Jasmina Trajcheva, Project Coordinator at the Organization of Women of the Municipality of Sveti Nikole (OWMSVN), one of Kvinna till Kvinna’s partner organisations.
The organisation strives for a more equal, safe, and inclusive society where women and girls have equal opportunities to grow, make decisions, and actively participate in their communities. This is not easy in a post-conflict country, where one third of the population lives in poverty, and unemployment is high.
”Supporting girls means investing in the future of our communities,” says Jasmina Trajcheva at Kvinna till Kvinna’s partner organisation OWMSVN in North Macedonia. Photo: Maja Janevska Ilieva
– Women’s political influence is limited, and gender-based violence is also a widespread problem, says Jasmina Trajcheva.
Successful mentoring programme
OWMSVN runs a mentoring programme called ”Big Sister, Little Sister”. The programme aims to connect girls aged 7 to 11 with slightly older girls, aged 15-18. The programme is built on mentorship, trust, and the development of genuine connections between girls. Within the programme, the participants take part in various activities and share conversations and experiences.
– However, the most important aspect is the relationship that is created. The ”Little Sister” gains someone who listens, understands, and encourages her, while the ”Big Sister” learns how to provide support, how to listen, and how her presence can positively influence someone else’s life, explains Stefanija Arsova, Youth Coordinator at OWMSVN.
Have you noticed any impact or positive changes resulting from the programme?
– Absolutely. A girl who was initially withdrawn at the beginning of the programme gradually becomes more open and confident in expressing herself. A girl who once doubted herself begins to recognise her own strengths and qualities.
Stefanija Arsova has also noticed that the programme creates a sense of belonging and security. The girls know they have someone they can turn to when they need support.
The importance of supporting girls
Stefanija Arsova explains that when a girl feels supported, she is more likely to believe in herself, set healthy boundaries, express her opinions, and stand confidently by her values and decisions.
– During their formative years, girls are developing their sense of identity and self-worth. The support they receive today can have a lasting impact on the women they become tomorrow. Support does not mean solving every problem for them. It means giving them the strength and reassurance to recognise their own abilities and potential, says Stefanija Arsova.
”When a girl feels supported, she is more likely to believe in herself and stand confidently by her values and decisions,” says Stefanija Arsova, Youth Coordinator at OWMSVN. Photo: Maja Janevska Ilieva
New friends and experiences
One of the ”Big Sisters” in the project is Mila Petrova, a 17-year-old high school student.
– Being a ”Big Sister” is truly a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Through the project, I meet amazing girls, create new friendships, and learn from each other. Every meeting brings new conversations, ideas, support, and beautiful moments that bring us closer together. I think this project is very important for the development of young girls because it creates a safe environment where we can encourage and support one another and grow together, Mila Petrova says.
What have you learned through the programme?
– I have developed my communication skills, my sense of responsibility, and my ability to actively listen to and understand others. I have also learned how important it is to support one another, share experiences, and build relationships based on trust and respect. The programme helps me to become more confident, responsible, and aware of the importance of mutual support.
One of the ”Little Sisters” is 8-year-old Tea Dojchinovski, who likes to draw and go for walks.
– I feel happy and comfortable being part of this, and what makes me happiest is my ”Big Sister” Mila, she says.
What have you learned through the programme?
– I have learned to share more love with new people that I meet, Tea Dojchinovski says.
Increased self-confidence
OWMSVN is happy about the results of the mentoring programme so far. One of the most important changes is that girls have begun to see themselves not only as participants, but as people who can create change in their communities.
– Also, the fact that 90 percent of mentors have reported increased self-confidence and strengthened leadership skills, and that 80 percent of mentees – the younger girls – have reported improved social skills, is a strong motivation for us to continue and further expand our work, says Jasmina Trajcheva.
By encouraging girls to become active participants in community life and decision-making processes, OWMSVN contributes to building a new generation of confident, informed, and socially engaged young leaders who advocate for equality and positive social change in North Macedonia.
– We are not only creating friendships or mentoring relationships. We are helping girls discover their voices, and giving them the courage to use them, says Jasmina Trajcheva.