Being a girl can be tough, especially here in Northern New Jersey where competition is tough and the stakes are high. Believe it or not, girls still don’t have the educational opportunities that boys do and won’t have the same range of choices available to them in the job market. Many organizations are working hard to change the status of girls around the world. These organizations advocate for girls to help each other to succeed, empower them to be responsible and independent, and also encourage girls to dream, have confidence and be happier and healthier. Here are some organizations your daughter can benefit from.
Despite a strong female presence in the early days of computer programming, modern tech firms are showing a decrease in the numbers of qualified female programmers. 37% of graduates in computer science were women in the early eighties, but that number has fallen to just 18% today. With programming playing such an important role in our future, one US non-profit is encouraging more girls to consider a future in coding. Started by Reshma Saujani, the organization offers a number of education opportunities for girls to become more immersed in the world of computers and robotics. Girls Who Code offer a Summer Immersion Program in Newark, NJ and New York City, NY that is a 7-week computer science course that embeds classrooms in technology companies and universities. Students learn the fundamentals of computer science – from robotics to how to build a webpage – while gaining exposure to the tech industry and mentor-ship from women working in technology.
This organization is empowering girls to be more active, healthy and confident. Over the course of 12 weeks, the girls will get 24 lessons that teach life skills, teamwork and confidence building. The course culminates in a 5km run. Here is a link to our local council in Bergen and Passaic County, NJ: Girls on the Run North Jersey
From their website: “Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.”
This is a program run by the United Nations in New York City and Washington D.C., that engages girls to take action and unite to help empower other girls around the world. Being a girl is, in many countries, a big disadvantage. Girl Up encourages girls to help each other by providing education and care to those who have fewer opportunities. Girl Up offers girls the opportunity to effect policy changes and raise funds for programs, which will uplift girls all over the world.
Based in New York City, this collaborative of girls and women work together to help girls to excel with writing skills. Writing is the core of a comprehensive ability to communicate, but many children struggle with reading and writing skills. Through collaboration, mentoring and workshops, professionals in the writing industry help girls to improve their skills, express themselves, prepare for college and develop the confidence they need to succeed. From their website: “From young women exploring writing to seasoned professionals practicing their craft every day, Girls Write Now is a community of women writers and digital media makers dedicated to providing the guidance, support, and opportunities for high school girls to develop their creative, independent voices, and write their way to a better future.”
Inspiring girls of all ages to dream big and believe in themselves will benefit society as a whole. Not only will girls be more competitive in job markets, but also building confidence will empower our girls to become the next generation of leaders.