How might we empower young women to use their voice to create a better world for themselves and others?
Coming off the heels of a successful overnight event in the spring, the Empow[HER] team turned their attention toward creating a full-day summer experience for 7th-12th grade girls to practice using their voice. During their research, the team was shocked by statistics found in The Girls’ Index, a national survey on the lives of young girls conducted by the independent non-profit Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), including:
“The percentage of girls who would describe themselves as confident declines more than 25% throughout the middle school years, from 86% to 60%. Girls reported confidence does not return to pre-middle school levels for the remainder of high school.”
“Most girls say that they like being in charge, but fewer aspire to be leaders because they fear that they will be perceived as bossy.”
“By the time girls are in high school, 86% report that most girls are in competition with one another and 41% say they do not trust other girls.”
Unwilling to let these unsettling numbers grow, the team set out to create a relevant and engaging opportunity for young women to join together to gain the skills needed to 1) self-advocate, 2) create change in the world, and 3) support other women.
On August 8th, 2018, the all-female planning team welcomed over 85 young women from 29 different middle and high schools across the Treasure Valley to the first ever Empow[HER] Summer Summit. After an impromptu dance party, participants began their summit experience by rotating through activity stations including a self-defense lesson with Jay Beecham from Streetwise Self Defense, physically stomping out stereotypes written on balloons, and a teamwork challenge using the board game Mancala facilitated by Laura Meyer from Idaho Department of Transportation. Next, the girls sat down to hear a keynote presentation from 2018 Idaho gubernatorial candidate Paulette Jordan. Girls listened intently as Paulette spoke of her early life and the need for a young girl to have confidence in herself and her dreams. Afterwards, many lined up to meet Paulette, eager to shake her hand and snap a quick picture.
Throughout the afternoon, participants engaged in a “mentorship lunch” with local women who were excited to become a lasting source of support and wisdom for the young women in attendance as well as engaged in a discussion about diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality with local consultant and business-owner Angela Taylor. To cap off the day, girls engaged in an “Action Fair” to explore local organizations where they could get more involved and create change. Over 15 non-profits and businesses were represented including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wild Hearts Idaho, and Girls on the Run. Overall, the first Empow[HER] Summit was a smashing success, and the team couldn’t wait to begin planning their next big project!
Outcomes:
85+ 7th-12th grade girls from 29 schools across the Treasure Valley
13+ community organizations represented at the Action Fair including Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, the YMCA, Sisters in Songwriting, the ACLU of Idaho, Planned Parenthood, Streetwise Self Defense, Idaho Women in STEM, Idaho Women in Transportation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wild Hearts Idaho, and Girls on the Run.
Participant reflections:
What does empowerment mean to you?
“Empowerment means feeling the confidence that enables one to make a difference.”
“Empowerment allows someone to learn to love themselves and then they can share their gifts.”
“It means I don't have to be scared to be me: a strong, independent woman who knows how important she is.”
“Recognizing your power and making your voice heard”
“Using the power inside me to affect change.”
How did this summit help you grow?
“It helped me believe that all women can do anything.”
“Now I feel heard and like I'm not alone.”
“This event helped me learn how to take charge but still be humble… not to mention some awesome self defense skills!”
“It inspired me to want to be a part of changing the community.”
