The Long-Term Benefits of Empowering Young Women

Women in history have faced adversity and while much has changed in the last century, young girls still face challenges in our society every day. They are forced to navigate the challenges of growing up and becoming teenagers all while facing the pressures of social norms, gender inequality, and resilience. 

As educators and role models, we play an important role in helping these young women find their confidence throughout their personal development. They need encouragement to think critically about the world around them and the struggles and exclusion they may face. There are numerous benefits to nurturing and empowering women from a young age. Here are just a few:

1.) They find their voice.

It is vital for girls to practice voicing their own solutions to problems, trusting their unique perspectives, and experiencing what it means to stay true to themselves (Presentation High School, 2020).

2.) They create trusting relationships.

Empowering girls together gives them a sense of community and a shared cause. This connection can help dissolve a culture of distrust between girls and any subsequent bullying from feeling alienated or powerless (Presentation High School, 2020).

3.) They develop leadership skills. 

By nurturing a safe environment, we create an opportunity for girls to practice essential leadership and advocacy skills like thinking critically, speaking up, and taking risks (Brown, 2016).

4.) They diversify their interests & talents.

In a culture where the gender gap for trades and STEM-related fields still exists, we must encourage girls to explore their interests and talents, no matter what field they may be in, to provide equal opportunities to all (Brown, 2016).

Investing in young women is one of the smartest things we can do to promote a healthier, more diverse society. Every girl has the right to be in charge of her future and her fate, and we are obligated to protect her rights and promote her well-being (Lee, 2015).

Mercy Works is investing in the young women of Syracuse through Passport 2 Vision. This weeklong life-changing experience for high school girls fosters positive self-image, vision and goal planning, team building, leadership, and communication skills. Our engaging format is designed to create a sense of community between the participants to engage in safe and open conversations.

Designed as a personal journey and group experience with an intimate feel, the program addresses topics that are relevant to young women during a time when they need it most. We encourage them to create a strategy to realize their dreams, including a vision for their future, goal setting, career planning, and financial planning. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to share this impactful program with the young women in your life. Sign-up for Passport 2 Vision today. 

Program Dates: August 21 – August 26

References:

Nati Torrence