Her Voice, Her Choice: supporting young women and girls

Young women and girls across Dumfries and Galloway have voted to decide which projects will receive funding through the Her Voice, Her Choice programme.

A total of 16 projects have been awarded funding to deliver activities, events and initiatives that support young women and girls aged 12 to 25 and contribute to the aims of Dumfries and Galloway's Young Women's Strategy.

Funding has been awarded to projects in both the east and west of the region.

At a glance

• £28,000 awarded
• 16 projects funded
• 8 projects in the east of the region
• 8 projects in the west of the region
• funding decided through a participatory budgeting vote by young women and girls

Successful projects

East Dumfries and Galloway

• Her Game, Her Journey – Belfast 2026

  • supporting Heston Rovers Girls U14 Squad to travel to Belfast and take part in matches against teams from Ireland
     

• Supercharging Girls Rugby at St Joseph's College

  • project to encourage more girls to get involved in rugby through coaching, playing opportunities, female role models and access to kit
     

• Drumlanrig Castle Confidence Building Outdoor Experience

  • one-day outdoor activity experience featuring team-building challenges, an assault course and paintballing for young women
     

• Her Voice, Her Wall: A Youth Led Graffiti Mural at Moffat Academy

  • young women will work with a professional artist to design and create a permanent mural celebrating women, equality and respect
     

• Step Up – Confidence Project

  • programme combining physical activities and life coaching workshops to support personal development and wellbeing
     

• Her Game, Her Future

  • free girls-only rugby camps delivered by Annan Rugby Club for young people aged 10 to 16
     

• Dumfries & Galloway Reclaim the Night Marches – 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women

  • series of community marches and awareness-raising events as part of the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women and Girls campaign
     

• Hens Shed

  • peer-led project for young women aged 16 to 25 focused on practical life skills, wellbeing and personal development
     

West Dumfries and Galloway

• Welcoming Hands – Bringing Us Together

  • British Sign Language (BSL) learning project helping young women and girls develop communication skills and promote inclusion
     

• Ignite HER

  • youth-led programme in Dalbeattie offering activities, workshops and new experiences for young women aged 12 to 16
     

• Strong Minds

  • six-week wellbeing project exploring topics such as social media, body image, self-care and mental wellbeing
     

• Highland Dance Fit

  • series of Highland dance sessions delivered by professional coaches for youth groups across Mid Galloway
     

• Resonate – Girls and Autism Project (GAP)

  • support project for young women with autism or possible autism, providing information, activities and peer connection opportunities
     

• Glow and Grow

  • new Stranraer-based group delivering practical beauty sessions alongside workshops on relationships, confidence and self-esteem
     

• The Zen Den

  • wellbeing space at Youth Beatz Festival featuring creative activities, workshops, displays and interactive experiences
     

• Girls on Fire!

  • careers and skills programme introducing young women to opportunities within the emergency services through workshops and challenges