JUST FOR GIRLS

A Dozen Things Girls Need
• to recognize and address violence in their lives
• more education and skill development
• support to build confidence and self-worth
• the opportunity to speak and to be heard
• guidance to make responsible and logical decisions
• healthy peer networks
• programs that support health awareness and education
• to experience success
• healthy and fun options
• leadership development
• to feel valued
• a place where they can find their power!

WHY GIRLS ONLY?

Girls only activities and programs provide a more successful environment to reach positive outcomes for girls.  In order to succeed, research has found that girls need to:

• Believe that boys and girls are more similar than different
• Be actively involved with sports, activities, and organizations
• Be satisfied with their bodies
• Overcome gender stereotypes
• Receive high levels of support from adults

In co-ed environments whether in their homes, schools, or communities, girls are:

• subjected to the prevalent attitude that they are different than boys
• expected to do housework and care for younger children
• subject to hearing boys talk about their bodies
• Pressured to look just right

Research done on co-ed programming has not resulted in equal opportunities for girls.  Rather, research suggests that for girls to actively participate in activities, exercise their rights, receive sufficient levels of support from adults, and overcome gender stereotypes, youth programs must go beyond “add girls and stir.”
Confronting societal bias that values stereotypical male behaviors requires more than simply “putting out the welcome mat” for girls. Findings:

• Public and philanthropic dollars have focused more on boys in urban settings
• Girls are more likely to be an “afterthought” or treated as “second class citizens” in co-educational programs
• Girls are more likely to stand around and watch the boys play than participate themselves

Here’s what works best when strategizing to create programs to achieve positive outcomes for girls:

• Developing opportunities for girls to meet and interact with female role models
• Being conscientious about gender interaction
• Listening to what girls have to say about their own lives
• Encouraging participation in athletics
• Encouraging them to explore meaningful possibilities for their future
• Fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging among girls.

The girls only option allows girls to plunge into activities without worrying about whether they “belong” or not – or whether they’re more or less skilled than boys. It lets girls focus on their real interests, at their own pace, free from distractions and comparisons. Finally, it guarantees girls will get the undivided attention from adults that they need for support.

> More on this topic