The Voices of Change (VOC) project aims to combat the disengagement of young people, particularly girls from migrant backgrounds, from traditional democratic participation. The project’s focus is on encouraging active citizenship, improving inclusion, and empowering these girls to contribute meaningfully to democracy. VOC will create a European Consultative Body dedicated to Civic Engagement for Migrant Girls, bringing together both migrant and local girls to participate in the political process and help design policies for migrants and refugees. It specifically targets young girls from non-European and European partner countries, aiming to foster mutual respect and cultural understanding.

VOC’s main goal is to help migrant and refugee girls understand the policymaking process, engage in EU democratic life, and express their views on various Union issues. The project’s specific objectives include raising awareness about their rights and EU values, increasing their participation in democracy, connecting them with European institutions, and ensuring their voices are heard by policymakers, with an emphasis on intersectional concerns. VOC also aims to establish and enhance the consultative body’s functionality.

The project includes a consortium of 21 partners, plus one associated partner, from 16 countries, working together to strengthen their joint capacities, share good practices, and expand their network at the EU level, thereby increasing the international reach of their activities. Additionally, VOC engages citizens, residents, migrants, associations, and various social and political groups to ensure the project is relevant and effective in addressing these issues.