This blog brings together inspiring stories and bold initiatives led by Melton Fellows and affiliates who are championing gender equity and LGBTQIA+ rights across diverse communities. From grassroots campaigns challenging gender-based violence, to leadership programs for women and safe spaces for queer youth, these projects amplify marginalized voices and push for systemic change. Together, they reflect a shared vision: a world where everyone regardless of gender identity or expression, can thrive with dignity, freedom, and equality.
Challenging Gender Norms & Preventing Violence: Cornelia Blum’s Work with “Heroes”
Violence prevention starts with education, awareness, and empowerment—and that’s exactly what Melton Fellow Cornelia Blum is fostering through her work with “Heroes”, a transformative program operating in eleven cities across Germany and Austria.
“Heroes” is dedicated to working with young boys and men, guiding them toward becoming socially responsible and self-reflective individuals. The program challenges harmful gender norms, promotes gender-sensitive awareness, and encourages youth to embrace positive male role models.
A key component of the project is peer-to-peer education, where young participants are empowered to spread awareness and mentor others, ensuring that lessons on emotional wellness, gender equity, and violence prevention ripple through their communities.
By fostering critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and accountability, Cornelia Blum and the “Heroes” initiative are equipping young men with the tools to create a more inclusive, respectful, and non-violent society.
Empowering Girls Through Career Guidance: The “Ladies First” Initiative
Meet Jovita N.V., a dedicated Melton Fellow, who, alongside Maggie, Major, and Shree, launched an impactful Act of Global Citizenship in October 2020 called “Ladies First.”
This initiative focused on breaking gender stereotypes in education and careers by creating four career guidebooks for students in Chile, China, Ghana, and India. These books provide valuable insights into the most in-demand fields in each country, including detailed information on academic programs, employment opportunities, and firsthand testimonials from women working in those industries.
Encouraging Girls to Follow Their Dreams
The goal of Ladies First is to empower young girls in rural areas, giving them the confidence to pursue any career they aspire to, regardless of traditional gender norms. Many professions have historically been dominated by men, but through education and encouragement, this project seeks to challenge societal barriers and open new opportunities for young women.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
This project would not have been complete without the invaluable contribution of Melton Fellow Bakiye N. Icik from Germany, who created the stunning collage featured in the second image.
Through initiatives like “Ladies First,” Melton Fellows continue to demonstrate how education, representation, and global collaboration can help create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Empowering Adolescent Girls: A Workshop on Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights
In an effort to promote awareness and agency among young girls, Melton Fellow Trish Maduche led a powerful workshop on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in collaboration with a local women-led organization. The session, themed “My Body, My Right, My Decisions,” focused on equipping adolescent girls with knowledge about their bodies, their rights, and the importance of making informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Why This Matters
For many young girls, access to reliable and judgment-free information about sexual and reproductive health remains limited. Cultural taboos, misinformation, and societal stigma often prevent open conversations about these crucial topics. This workshop created a safe and inclusive space where participants could learn, ask questions, and share their experiences without fear or shame.
Key Highlights
- Understanding Bodily Autonomy: Encouraging young girls to embrace body confidence and personal agency.
- Sexual & Reproductive Health Education: Addressing menstrual health, contraception, and safe practices.
- Legal Rights & Advocacy: Educating participants about their rights regarding consent, reproductive choices, and healthcare access.
- Interactive Discussions: A space to openly discuss challenges, break myths, and foster confidence in decision-making.
By equipping young girls with accurate knowledge and practical resources, this initiative helps them navigate adolescence with confidence and make informed choices for their future. Trish Maduche’s dedication to empowering young women through education and advocacy reflects the essence of global citizenship and gender equality.
Deconstructing Stereotypes
To conscientize people of the various groups, boxes and categories they put themselves and others in, and to help them take the extra step in getting to know the ‘other’ beyond whatever pre-held assumptions, Sabelo prepared a stand and presentation on stereotypes and how we easily form them. He created a “share sheet” asking people to share who they are and what stereotype about them they want to deconstruct. “Stereotypes are not always false, neither are they always negative nor only about minorities,” Sabelo says. “It’s easier for any one of us to stand from afar and come up with conclusions about people based on some assumptions, but its also way easier to make the effort and start the conversation.”
Empowering Girls with Tech & Science!
Vladimir wanted to empower young people, especially girls, with technology skills. He organized a workshop for junior high students at Christ the King International College in Accra which included teamwork activities, a graphic design session and scratch programming session. “Many more girls are interested in going for technology, but they are not introduced to these things early on,” Vladimir says. “The kids taught me a great lesson; you can do great things if you are no longer afraid to explore.”
Reproductive Health Education in Sri Lanka
Neli organized an interactive workshop at Peradeniya University in Sri Lanka to spread awareness about reproductive health education and open conversations about taboo topics such as puberty and menstruation. The outcome of this project was increased awareness and understanding of reproductive health among university students, fostering open dialogue around traditionally taboo topics like puberty and menstruation and promoting a more informed and supportive campus environment. This initiative also encouraged students to challenge societal stigmas and become advocates for comprehensive and inclusive health education within their communities.
Challenging Rape Culture through ‘Misogynoir’
Taniyah organized a symposium called Misogynoir in which six speakers from diverse backgrounds spoke at Dillard University about rape culture and its global effects on black women. Taniyah wants people to recognize that sexuality is about consent and autonomy, and that people do not get to commodify others for personal gain.
Debunking Myths around Menstruation
Sanchita wrote a powerful blog on menstruation aimed at breaking the silence, challenging widespread misconceptions, and dismantling the stigma surrounding the topic. Through her work, she sought to create a platform that not only fosters open conversations but also supports individuals and organizations actively working to normalize menstruation and promote gender equality. Her research involved engaging interviews with people from diverse age groups, offering a range of perspectives on menstrual health and societal attitudes. She also featured social media pages and digital communities dedicated to addressing menstrual taboos and advocating for gender equity across various aspects of life.
Speaking Up For Sexual Minorities
Haizhou organized a discussion forum about the LGBT community at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, to address the exclusion of sexual minorities and build support for them in mainstream society. He hopes to spark more conversations and inspire action among students. The outcome of this project was the creation of a safe and inclusive space for dialogue on LGBTQ+ issues, encouraging greater awareness, empathy, and support for sexual minorities within the university community. The outcome of this project was the creation of a safe and inclusive space for open dialogue on LGBTQ+ issues at Zhejiang University, fostering greater awareness, empathy, and support for sexual minorities within the student community.
Making LGBT Community Visible
Ashita filmed a distance interview with an LGBT activist and three journalists to normalize LGBT community members and encourage activists. She then screened it at BMS College of Engineering in Bangalore, India. Ashita believes that engaging directly with LGBT activists, rather than just conducting awareness drives, is crucial to understanding their struggles firsthand. The outcome of this project was increased visibility and understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences among students, fostering empathy and allyship through direct engagement with activists and firsthand storytelling.
Gender Stereotypes and Sexism
Zhentao wanted to raise awareness about gender stereotypes and sexism, and to motivate students at his university to act to change the status quo. During a presentation to students at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, Zhentao discussed the liberating power of feminism and invited everyone to be involved in the fight for a united world.
Changing Attitudes Towards Male Sexuality
To understand male students’ perceptions of the importance of male sexual health education at the university level, Tito distributed questionnaires and conducted face-to-face interviews at Ashesi University in Ghana. Through this initiative, he hopes to challenge attitudes and encourage open conversations about male sexual health. The outcome of this project was a deeper insight into male students’ perceptions of sexual health education, helping to challenge stigma and initiate more open, informed conversations about male sexual health at the university level.
Unchaining Gender Stereotypes In Kids
At a community center in Buenos Aires, Lena led an activity for children on gender neutrality. When shown objects or concepts on cards, the children initially labeled many as ‘typical’ for boys or girls. Lena then guided a discussion to challenge these assumptions, encouraging them to reflect on gender labels and recognize that the function of an object or concept is what truly matters.
The outcome of this project was increased awareness among children about gender stereotypes, encouraging them to think critically about gender labels and embrace a more inclusive, open-minded perspective on everyday objects and roles.
Teaching Economics To Empower Rural Women
Shuning worked to advance the economic empowerment of women in rural areas by teaching them basic financial knowledge, including accounting and investment. She researched microloans in rural areas and shared her insights through a free online class. Shuning believes that accessible online courses tailored for rural women can significantly improve their financial independence and overall well-being. The outcome of this project was improved financial awareness among rural women, empowering them with basic accounting and investment knowledge through accessible online education.
Conversation around African LGBT+ issues
Beryl, a Melton Fellow, wished to deconstruct and spark a conversation around African LGBT+ issues. In her ‘Africa in International Affairs’ class at Ashesi University, she led a discussion on sexualities in pre-colonial Africa. Alongside her classmates, Pearl Abbam and Yvette Umatari, Beryl used photos to engage and educate their peers. She extends her gratitude to her professor, Evelyn Amponsah, for supporting the initiative. The outcome of this project was a thoughtful classroom dialogue that challenged colonial narratives and deepened understanding of African LGBT+ histories, encouraging peers to reflect on sexuality from a culturally rooted perspective.
Inspiring Rebel Girls in Temuco
Ana Camila, a Melton Fellow from Temuco, Chile, believes in the power of storytelling to inspire young minds. ‘I want them to realize that anything is possible if they have enough nerve and work hard,’ she said when asked about her motivation for designing a hands-on storytelling activity for a group of girls in Temuco.
After reading Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, the group discussed the importance of female role models. Then, they brought those stories to life through drawing and painting the characters they found most inspirational. A key moment for Ana Camila was reading about Joan Jett—one of the girls suddenly realized that women could be rock stars too. ‘I could see in her eyes that something clicked inside, and afterward, she started asking my brothers to play guitar while she sings because she really wants to be a rock star.’
For Ana Camila, it was clear that her Act of Global Citizenship had made an impact. The activity not only empowered the girls but also helped her develop the ability to tell stories to young children in a simple yet powerful way. And the ripple effect didn’t stop there, one of the girls’ teachers was so inspired by the idea that she invited Ana Camila to lead a similar activity at her school by the end of the year.”
Getting To Know the Female Body
Melton Fellow Pearl Gemegah noticed that most people shy away whenever the topic of the female reproductive system comes up. Many women hardly know even the basics about their own bodies. She felt that someone needed to create awareness, so she collaborated with some students to organize an FAQ session on reproductive health and assembled a team of women to put up posters around her university with interesting facts about the female reproductive system.
‘The infographics around the school campus have started conversations, and people have approached me asking for more information. I felt great about sharing the things I had learned over the years with those around me, and I plan on holding more info sessions in the coming weeks.
Close Your Eyes to Look Beyond Stereotypes
Melton Fellow Akshath Karanam from India observed that biases and stereotypes often create friction between socio-ethnic groups on campus, preventing meaningful friendships, conversations, and mentorship. Determined to counter these barriers and build trust, he teamed up with Melton Fellow Tito Magero to design an activity called Blindfolded Conversations, which they implemented at the Samagra 2017 conference.
In this activity, participants were blindfolded and paired with people they didn’t know, engaging in deep, predesigned conversations without the fear of judgment. The initiative was a huge success, fostering open discussions and mutual understanding. Akshath’s biggest takeaway was the importance of framing the right questions: “We did not want to make people uncomfortable, yet the questions had to be deep enough to encourage introspection and meaningful dialogue.”
Disarming Gender stereotypes
Gender stereotype is a global issue and it may give rise to gender discrimination. Jiang Yi observed that female university students were sometimes told that it is a better choice to choose a stable job to strike a balance between family and career. Meanwhile, the male students are confronted with stereotypes as well, which require them to be brave and adventurous. Through her Act, Yi engaged the students in Zhejiang University, especially the students’ association and a team taking part in a business competition, by publishing an article on WeChat (reaching 600+ readers) and organised an offline activity to discussion repercussions of such stereotypes. She also published an interview with the leader of one of the students’ association concerning female development.
Voice of Women: A Civic Dinner
Beryl Nana Ama, Senior Fellow from Ghana, organised a civic dinner (a group that brings people together over food for conversations that matter) with a few colleagues from her workplace. Beryl shared,”I am passionate about dismantling the patriarchy, empowering women and encouraging conversation. My interest in creating connections drove me to apply these methods in carrying out my Act of Global Citizenship”. Addressing gender equaity and empowerment, Beryl said using a ‘conversation guide’ was unexpectedly stimulating. It was a safe space where everyone was sharing their thoughts and opinions freely. Being able to talk about someone who considers himself “anti-feminist” and having him recognize what feminism is all about was a milestone.
Featured Act: Empowering girls with tech & science in Ghana
Vladimir Fomene, a Melton Fellow from Cameroon, studies Computer Science at Ashesi University. When he started thinking about his Act of Global Citizenship, Vladimir wanted to address a social cause in his own field of study. That’s how he came up with the idea to empower young people, especially girls, with technology skills. “When I started coding, I realized that things would have been easier if I had started when I was very young,” Vladimir said. “I thought it would give people more opportunities if they start coding at a very early age.” Vladimir organized a workshop for junior high students at Christ the King International College in Accra which included teamwork activities, a graphic design session and scratch programming session. Although the session was open for both boys and girls, Vladimir especially encouraged the girls to participate actively. “In STEM fields, there is a gender balance problem because they are dominated by men,” Vladimir says. “Many more girls are interested in going for technology fields, but they are not introduced to these things early on.”
“The kids taught me a great lesson; you can do great things if you are no longer afraid to explore.” – Vladimir Fomene, Melton Fellow
Vladimir brought some of his classmates at Ashesi to help introduce the children to science and technology. “My classmates doing computer science shared their personal experiences of why they went into the field and why they are passionate about technology,” Vladimir tells. In a session about graphic design, they taught them to develop logos and greeting cards. Vladimir also taught them how to program using programming language called Scratch. The children reacted with curiosity and interest, Vladimir said. “They were playing and open to what we give them. They are not afraid to explore; they played with graphics and came up with some very nice designs. Then, when I taught them programming, I was very surprised by some of it because they came up with some beautiful programs. They taught me that, if you really want to learn something, you have to have an open mind and not be afraid to explore.” 
Since the workshop was such a success, Vladimir is already thinking about the next steps. “Right now we are thinking of taking the program to another high school here in Accra. Also, we noticed during the workshop that the children needed some one-on-one mentorship – a contact to someone they could talk to while they are learning. So, next time, we are going to pair each student with a mentor.” While Vladimir first came up with the project on his own, he says he realizes now that he could not have done this on his own. “It was an initiative that was successful because of a group of people,” he says.
Pasand: A journey towards gender equality
Melton Fellow Neli Blum, a Social Science and Psychology student at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany, tells of her experience as an intern at Pasand.
In October, I joined a small team of young and passionate ladies that are dedicated to work towards a gender equal society in India.
The start-up “Pasand” was co-founded in 2015 by Aunna Wilson, who decided to tackle the issue of gender equality from a very unique approach: through classes on personal health, wellness and sexuality that are conducted in all types of schools in Bangalore. Pasand developed an informative and interactive curriculum for girls and boys of all age-groups to provide them with the information needed and wanted when growing up. In these classes, Pasand opens a space for girls and boys where all their questions and concerns are heard, where they get answers and where they learn to reflect upon certain structures of a culture and tradition that goes back thousands of years. Pasand’s approach is very sensitive in empowering youth to make their own decisions for living a healthy and confident life in which they are the owners of their own body and can influence their surroundings as they learn about topics that are generally not openly discussed.
All employees working with Pasand can share personal stories about their own experiences growing up; many of them say they wished to have had the chance to get information and answers during puberty. That is one of Pasand’s biggest strength: we are able to connect with the girls and boys in schools over our own stories to give them the feeling that they are not alone while experiencing body changes, building relationships with their peers, first crushes on others and many other topics that are important during the transition into adulthood. And apart from Aunna and me, all our facilitators speak Kannada, Hindi and some Tamil (most spoken languages in Bangalore), which gives us the ability to go to all types of schools in Bangalore.
Health and sex education isn’t included in the teaching curricula in schools in India; only very few schools offer these classes, which only heightens the silence and shame around these topics. Pasand is tackling this taboo in a culturally sensitive way, but also with a healthy dose of humor! The long-term idea and hope is to bring this curriculum not only to schools in and around Bangalore, but also to schools all over India and even beyond. Health and sex education is needed everywhere, and Pasand is always looking for ways to collaborate with other organizations that work similarly or share the same ideas. And that is also how the connection between Pasand and the Melton Foundation was born!
“Going out to schools, seeing the excitement of the kids when they learn about their own body, when they find someone who they can open up to, when they feel strong and confident is just a wonderful experience!”
This phase in my life is so overwhelming that I am not able to switch off my head in the evening due to all the creativity around and in me, which is inspired by the issues and my peers at Pasand, by India and definitely also by all the lovely people around me in Bangalore and everywhere else in the world. Going out to schools, seeing the excitement of the kids when they learn about their own body, when they find someone who they can open up to, when they feel strong and confident is just a wonderful experience!
Discover how Melton Fellows are making a difference worldwide, driving change and creating impact through innovative projects and global collaboration.