From Fear and Uncertainty to Confidence and Voice

Jan 14, 2026
Students are happily smiling for the camera.

For many girls growing up in rural Northeastern Thailand, danger is not something distant.

It can happen online, at school, in their communities, or even closer to home.

They may know that something feels unsafe—but not always what to do next.
Who to call.
How to respond.
Or how to protect themselves in the moment.

This is the gap the Better Me for Girls: Claim Your Rights workshop was designed to close.

 

Students are working their group activity.

Students are happily smiling for the camera.

⚠️ The Reality Girls Face

Before the workshop, most girls had little access to safety education.

  • 87% had never attended any activity on violence prevention
  • 77% had experienced or witnessed unsafe situations
  • Many said they would seek help—but did not know exactly how or who to contact

Risks were not rare—and neither was uncertainty.

 

🧠 Turning Knowledge into Action

Instead of only talking about safety, the workshop focused on practice.

Through games, group activities, and real-life scenarios, girls learned how to:

  • Recognize warning signs in both offline and online situations
  • Understand their rights and boundaries
  • Respond step-by-step when facing danger
  • Seek help safely and confidently

For many, this was the first time they practiced what to actually do.

I now know what to do in a similar situation,

who to call, and how to protect myself.

— Feedback from participant

📊 What Changed

The impact was clear:

  • Average test scores increased from 40% to 94%
  • 97% improved their understanding of how to avoid risks
  • 96% felt more ready to respond in unsafe situations
  • 94% gained knowledge of rights and support services

But beyond knowledge, something deeper shifted.

 

Students are happily smiling for the camera.

Teacher and PND staffs are smiling for the camera.

💬 A Shift in Confidence and Voice

Girls described becoming more aware, more cautious, and more prepared.

Many shared that they:

  • Think more carefully about risky situations
  • Feel more confident protecting themselves
  • Know where to seek help and what steps to take
  • Feel more comfortable speaking up

“Learning about dangers around us made me more careful in my daily life.”

This shift—from not knowing what to do, to having clear actions—is critical.

 

🌍 Why It Matters

Safety is not only about avoiding harm.

It is about having the confidence, knowledge, and support to make decisions when it matters most.

For girls navigating education, work, and independence, these skills are essential.

When girls understand their rights and how to act,
they are better equipped to protect themselves, access help, and move forward with confidence.

 

✨ Moving Forward

With continued support, more girls will gain not only knowledge—but the confidence and voice to use it.

Because when a girl knows her rights,
she doesn’t just stay safe— she stands strong.

Large group of students and teacher are smiling at the camera