“Our mission is to inspire and empower girls …” Does that sound familiar?
That is the mission of The Girls’ Network, a very young UK charity. As Soroptimists we, too, have similar aspirations. Therefore, the guest speaker at the recent Regional Programme Action Meeting, Hayley Misell (Network Manager – Manchester), had a keen-eared audience.
The Network addresses the needs of girls who just ‘coast’ along. For so many in the least-advantaged communities there is a gap between girls’ dreams and their expectations. Many of them do not have the self-belief necessary to make the best use of their capabilities.
For one year girls are each linked with a mentor, a professional career woman who acts as a positive female role model. This ongoing relationship helps the girls develop in confidence. It opens their eyes to the possibilities – and opportunities – available to them. They have the chance to explore beyond the traditional ‘Five C’ jobs: cleaning, catering, caring, cashiering and clerking.
The Network works with 14 – 19 year-old girls. Each benefits from the 1:1 mentoring programme. There may also be workshops (to meet other participants), work experience visits, skills development and confidence-building. A cohort of young ‘ambassadors’ who have completed their year is also being developed. They can act as further role models for the participants.
From its base in south-east England the The Girls’ Network spread to Manchester in 2016; Liverpool is due to start up in 2017; further expansion is planned. The potential for partnership working between Soroptimists and The Girls’ Network is exciting, and one that local clubs may wish to explore.