Girls are exposed to both positive and negative role models nearly every day; a fierce mother who speaks up against domestic violence, or a woman who uses her sexual appeal to be popular. Both these people have an effect on how a girl sees her own future. Those are the figures girls use as guides to what they will become and what actions they will imitate.
A girl wants to see confidence, integrity, and success in other women so she can perceive herself with those qualities. A curriculum intended to inspire girls will have strong, supportive role models. As program administrators, it is important to introduce girls to a varied range of role models as often as possible.
Good role models may include older adults, professional athletes, teachers, community members, accomplished business owners, actors, politicians, religious figures, positive friends, or any powerful woman whose appearance would resonate with the girls. While there is power to introduce girls to women who are world heroines, there is also power to reveal them to local people.
Local examples offer more easily possible visions of achievement. A core aspect of providing girls with a role model is to ensure that their achievement is attainable and replicable in their minds. Studies have found that when people believe that the role model in front of them has achieved an unreachable position, their appearance will potentially be demoralizing.
If possible, find a role model that exemplifies an area in which girls have an interest and where they need support in their personal growth. Find a person who can share his or her personal experience of professional development. Men may definitely act as good role models; however, the same-gender role representation has an underlying meaning.
Tips: Creating Opportunities For Girls to Learn From Role Models
- Organize activities where role models interact with girls about their experiences.
- Seek to pair young girls with older mentors in order to build long-lasting relationships.
- Take the girls to attend sporting activities for older competitors. Arrange a meeting-and-go afterward to allow girls to socialize with players.
- Establish guest coaching sessions with popular coaches in your area.
- Make sure that those in leadership positions within the organization serve as positive role models for the participants.
- Look for a role model outside the sports arena. Invite a prominent businesswoman or female politician to attend the program and communicate with the girls.
- Suggest asking men or women with disabilities to talk, since they often have a strong effect on girls with or without disabilities.
Reference: https://guides.womenwin.org/ig/programme-design/developing-girls-leadership/the-power-of-role-models
Photo de Matheus Bertelli provenant de Pexels
