MWOTY 2022 alumni, Ithalia Johnson, is seeking sponsorship to support a new initiative supporting young women.
EpowHer is a 12-Week Journey of Power, Presence & Expression for Girls and Young Women in Toxteth. The brand new programme launches in September/October 2025 and is designed to tackle the very real challenges teenage girls face today — from low self-esteem, body image pressures, and social media stress, to experiences of bullying, poverty, and limited access to safe, empowering spaces.
The programme has already secured £4,000 in sponsorship from Councillor Rahima Farah, the Labour councillor for Toxteth, but programme’s creators need to raise an additional £2,600 to enable delivery of the initiative, with each participant’s place costing £550.
The Need in Liverpool
- There are 14,000 teenage girls in Liverpool. Many report that existing youth provision does not feel accessible or culturally suitable for them
- Liverpool has some of the highest child poverty rates in the UK, with almost 1 in 3 children growing up in poverty. Girls are disproportionately affected in terms of health and wellbeing outcomes
- Teenage girls across Merseyside report rising levels of anxiety, eating disorders, and isolation. Mental health services are overstretched, and community-based alternatives are scarce
- For many girls, mixed sessions do not feel safe or inclusive due to cultural background, lived experiences, or previous trauma
What is EpowHer?
EpowHer is a 12-week programme blending dance, yoga, self-defence, and coaching to build confidence, creativity, and community. Participants (aged 13–18) will connect with themselves, build strength and expression, and develop their voice through spoken word, teen talks, and podcasting — culminating in a final showcase.
Ithalia, who was a finalist in MWOTY’s Arts, Media and Culture category in 2022, will deliver the programme, alongside Nicola Chan, founder of Wai See Coaching.
Ithalia has more than 20 years’ experience in dance, wellbeing, and social impact. Trauma-informed, neurodiverse, and joy-led, Ithalia regularly works with schools, youth settings, and universities to uplift marginalised voices. Nicola is a transformational coach with 20+ years’ experience in fitness, health, and youth empowerment. She specialises in building confidence, navigating identity, and supporting girls and young women through creative and body-based practices.
The programme will culminate in a final creative product, which may be a performance, podcast, or teen talk, amplifying participants’ voices.
Ithalia said: “By the end of the programme, participants will have increased confidence, self-expression, and resilience, developed tools for managing wellbeing and building safe boundaries, and will experience a stronger sense of identity and community. They will also have an improved overall sense of wellbeing, including mental, emotional, and physical health.”
Transformative funding and sponsorship
Ithalia added: “We are inviting local businesses, organisations, and advocates like those in the MWOTY network to sponsor a young woman’s place on the programme. Each participant’s place cost is £550 for 12 weeks of high-quality delivery, guest mentors, materials, and refreshments.
“This support will make a direct difference to a young woman’s future — giving her the space, skills, and confidence to thrive. Thank you for considering being part of this transformative journey for girls in Liverpool. Together, we can create a safe, empowering, and joyful space where their voices are heard.”
Sponsors will be acknowledged in the final showcase, social media, and publicity materials.
If you would like to discuss sponsorship, please contact ithaliajohnson@gmail.com or call 07734 911 677.
