Girl Guides in the ACT region will celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday 8 March.
This year’s theme is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. Girl Guiding Units across the ACT, Queanbeyan, Bungendore, and Braidwood will pledge to tackle barriers, gender stereotypes, and discrimination through innovation.
They will also celebrate their own achievements in the community such as giving service at Government House to support other community groups; planting trees in memory of the Queen, and her achievements as a Girl Guide; and empowering the girls to have a sense of adventure and connecting with their local neighbourhoods through bush challenges and activities.
“International Women’s Day for us,” said Chris Butler, Assistant Region Manager, “provides Girl Guides with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of girls in our local communities [and] also millions of girls and women worldwide.”
Headquartered in Sydney, Girl Guides NSW, ACT and NT has a network of thousands of girls and women. Its mission is to empower girls and young women to discover their potential as the leaders of their world.
“As the only movement geared entirely toward every girl and any girl, Girl Guiding puts gender equality at its heart,” a spokeswoman said.
“Through non-formal education programs, girls learn to challenge gender-based violence, tackle body confidence issues, care for their community, and have a sense of belonging.”
Guides have been active in Australia since 1909.
“With over 100 years of experience, Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT know how to support the women of tomorrow to grow their self-esteem, self-confidence, life skills, and develop resilience,” a spokeswoman said.
A recent study by social impact think-tank Huber Social (2022) showed that girls who join Girl Guides are more resilient and deal better with emotions and problems in life. Teen Guides also index higher on self-development and leadership skills.
A spokeswoman said that Guiding teaches young women to form their own point of view on current affairs and issues in the world, and increases their sense of purpose and connection to the world beyond themselves. They have the mindset and the life skills to make a difference.
“Guiding builds resilient, passionate, independent thinkers who want to, and are able to, contribute back to the world they live in” CEO Carol Simpson said.
For more information, visit: www.joinguides.com.au
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