Save anti-racist project for girls and women of color in Saxony!

The decision to cease funding the project "SISTERS* - Antiracist Work with Girls" from 2024 onwards is a devastating blow to girls of color in rural Saxony. This project, which has been supported since 2019 through the Integrative Measure Guideline, was a safespace, the first place of acceptance and empowerment for girls* and young women* of color in a world full of racist and sexist challenges.

The abrupt withdrawal of funding not only means the end of three weekly girls*' meetings in Pirna, Freiberg, and Torgau but also the end of two annual holiday camps. For many girls* of color, these camps were the only opportunity to free themselves from family and academic pressure for a few days, experience self-efficacy, and build solidarity among each other.

The 63 girls* reached by SISTERS* last year, who considered these offers as important places of acceptance and safety, are now facing a harsh reality: their trusted individuals, resources, and the long-term support in dealing with experiences of racism are abruptly taken away from them.

The consequences are immeasurable: girls* of color not only lose the spaces where they could empower themselves but also the structures that helped them deal with a racist and sexist reality. Many of them had the opportunity for the first time to exchange ideas and develop strategies for action. This chance for self-determination and shaping their own future is now taken away from them.

There is an urgent need to create and maintain safe spaces for girls* and young women* of color. The results of a study by the "Kulturbüro" confirm what SISTERS* has observed for years: in rural Saxony, there is a lack of contact points for this specific target group, which is often neglected and by no means homogeneous.

This decision is not only short-sighted but also deeply unfair. It undermines the future and well-being of an entire generation of girls of color and shows a frightening indifference to their reality and needs. We urgently demand a review of this decision and a renewed investment in programs that support and empower girls of color in rural Saxony.