A girl's self-worth grows only if she is heard, says Viktoriia Haberajter from the Exceptional project
Viktoriia Haberajter discusses her initiative aimed at enhancing the self-esteem and self-worth of young girls, emphasizing the importance of being heard and supported.
Viktoriia Haberajter reflects on her own experience with bullying and the challenges of establishing self-worth during her teenage years. She recalls that although teachers praised her for her academic achievements, they ignored the harassment she faced from her peers. In her struggle to find security in relationships, she sought validation through early romantic interests, mistakenly believing that pretending to enjoy these encounters would earn her respect. This approach only led to feelings of anger, fear, disappointment, shame, and insecurity, highlighting the complex emotional landscape many adolescents navigate.
Three years ago, Haberajter initiated a developmental program called "Exceptional" in Sereď, focused on fostering a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-worth among young girls. She believes that as a teenager, she needed to cultivate a more sincere and healthy relationship with herself, and she now emphasizes to her participants the importance of self-knowledge and confidence. According to her, the development of self-esteem among adolescent girls is significantly influenced by the support they receive from parents and peers, reinforcing the idea that external validation plays a crucial role in internal self-worth.
Haberajter insists that girls should feel empowered to express themselves without fear of negative consequences. Her program aims to create a safe space for open discussions and personal growth, encouraging girls to embrace their identities and develop resilience against societal pressures. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, Haberajter hopes to equip young women with the tools necessary to navigate their formative years with confidence and self-assurance.