Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta has released a report on what girls need to ensure they are ready to succeed in leadership roles.
The non-profit announced the results from their “Stronger, Bolder: Girls Take the Lead” report Monday, which detailed wide-ranging analysis of the latest research on the factors shaping girls’ lives today.
The report also examines how to prepare girls to success in leadership roles in business, politics and their communities.
In a new study by the American Institute for Research, girls who received supports from Girls Inc., have a significant advantage over those who do not.
Executive Director Nanase Tonda says they are working to address barriers to help young girls become strong leaders in the community.
“We will continue to address the urgent gap in tackling systemic barriers surrounding Indigenous girls, including girls with disabilities, girls who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and girls living in impoverished conditions. The research validates that our approach works.”
The report outlines four fundamental supports Girls Inc has determined are universally beneficially to girls to help them overcome systemic challenges.
This includes providing them with mentoring relationships, encouraging them to develop and use their voices, promoting positive self-image and fostering intellectual confidence.
These supports help girls navigate and overcome the multifaceted, interconnected, and persistent barriers they face
President and CEO of Girls Inc. Stephanie J. Hull says the research is showing that their organization is making progress on the toughest issues girls face.
“All girls deserve equity of access to wellbeing and opportunity, and we have to see the whole girl, in her context and community. That’s what Girls Inc. has always done, and we believe that’s a key to the success we’ve achieved.”
While there are more women today in key leadership positions than ever before, the report notes there still exists a pervasive gender gap in top leadership.
The report highlights some of the most recent and significant research on girls, pointing to eleven key factors that shape their lives.
The factors include physical activity, mental health, substance use, teen pregnancy, educational achievement, STEM experiences, graduation rates, juvenile justice, healthy relationships-encompassing harassment and sexual abuse, and leadership opportunities.
Researchers also determined that girls who participate in Girls Inc are more likely to exercise regularly and participate in sports teams and be more engaged in education.
