Pathways into Womanhood
A contemporary, community based Rite of Passage for girls into Womanhood which takes the form of a 5 day residential program for girls aged 12-15 years and their mothers or a woman mentor.
The observed benefits of participation in this program include: increased self esteem and confidence, healthy acceptance of body, healthy peer relationships, stronger more supportive mother relationship, greater self awareness, more confident communication and an inspired future through hearing the stories of older women.
A girl's body changes as she enters puberty but the body changes are not necessarily synchronized with emotional maturity. This can leave a girl vulnerable to try to emulate "popular" body image messages and can leave her disconnected from her natural, health body cycles and rhythms.
The shift from girl psychology to healthy woman psychology is one that requires support and guidance. The differences are fundamental and a Rite of Passage provides a foundation for this transition.
Please download our Pathways into Womanhood brochure for more information including the differences between girl psychology and healthy woman psychology and it is worth taking a few minutes to watch the TV interview from 9AM with David and Kim, courtesy of Network Ten. (Part I)(Part II).
Pathways into Womanhood calendar of camps
Download Pathways into Womanhood FAQ's (PDF)
Download Pathways into Womanhood Brochure (PDF)
Download Pathways into Womanhood Registration Form (PDF)
Testimonials:
From the Young Women:
I feel this experience has benefited me in so many ways. I have so much more understanding about being a woman. It was sooo great to be able to express my feelings knowing I wasn’t judged... Ashlea R
WOW !!!! Thank you is not enough. All you leaders are amazing. Beautiful women and I can’t thank you enough. I’ll treasure the memories… Young Woman 09 2007
During this outstanding program I learnt so much about everything there is to be known about becoming a young woman and bonding with some amazing girls. It was worth the whole world and I will take every little bit home with me! All in all a fantastic experience I will have my whole life. Zoe L. 14 years
From the Mothers
I urge you if something is missing, for you, if something eludes you in your life. This ‘Pathways into Womanhood’ program will show you, gift you with the very source of that longing. Odile Lambert
I would really highly recommend the ‘Pathways into Womanhood’ program to any mother and daughter. It lovingly and supportedly brought the so called (“not openly spoken about”) functions and body parts into fully and up close acceptance and a love of all. Alexandra A
Creating and holding of a truly healing space by the leaders was magnificent. Rachael B
The ‘Pathways into Womanhood’ camp has brought me into a greater awareness of spending special time with my daughter. I was also reminded of the extravagant beauty, courage and strength women possess. C.Tough
I am so appreciative of the opportunity that I was afforded to spend time with my daughter and learn from the experiences of so many other inspiring women, young women and girls. I feel better equipped to now help my daughter realize her own potential and embrace life’s challenges. Sue-Anne Nicol
What an absolute blessing this program is ( Pathways into Womanhood) teaching young women about what it is to be a woman, about Woman in a womb- like container that can hold all that unfolds within that space.
Thank you for clarifying my mothering for me: listen to your heart and to your belly- protect the fire within.
Jennifer Munz – Yoga Teacher
I found the program immensely beneficial to myself and my daughter- and our relationship. The process enabled me to drop the barriers and layers that have been put in place over the years. I was able to respond honestly and openly, feeling supported by the very special group of women and young women assembled. I’ve learnt to relate to young women more closely and confidently, and in doing so feel a huge confidence in the women of our future. Meryn M
As a mother and grandmother I learned so much about being female. I only wish I could have experienced this 40 years ago. Kaye R.
…taking time out to be with each other at the Pathways program has strengthened and deepened my relationship with my daughter and myself. Respect & acceptance for each other as mother and daughter, women and individuals has predominantly increased since the program…..she is more solid in herself resulting in much needed raised self-esteem…she is more at peace and confident with where she is in her life……………… Debbie Dunn