Nurturing the Personal Development of Young Women and Girls
In every region throughout the state, participants discussed the need for attention to the societal pressures facing young women and girls, particularly the need for young women to have access to formal and informal educational programs that will give them the tools to be critical thinkers and to make healthy choices. They also want to see the initiation or expansion of leadership and mentoring programs that connect adolescent girls with strong female role models who can help them traverse the difficult terrain from adolescence to adulthood.
Educational opportunities
At every stop throughout the state, Tour participants saw education as the primary means by which young women could improve their lives and cited schools as a potential forum for educating girls on a range of issues, from sexual health to financial literacy and leadership development. But participants also recognized that for education to truly help girls achieve more, girls need to be encouraged to take courses in science, math and other subjects that will set them on the road to higher-paying jobs and successful careers. They also noted that California’s education system is already overburdened and its resources strained. New forums need to be developed that can provide opportunities for young women and girls to be healthy and thrive.
Leadership and personal development
Young women do not have enough opportunities to develop leadership skills. Tour participants stressed the need for young women to have more exposure to positive role models and formal mentors. These relationships can increase self-esteem and guide girls as they set goals for their future and acquire career and life skills. Studies indicate that mentorship can have a significant impact on young women and their communities. One evaluation of an 18-month model mentoring program called Friends for Youth in Redwood City, California conducted by clinical psychologists found a series of significant changes for young women participants. These included decreased anxiety and depression, increased grade point averages, fewer missed days of school and improved measurements of self-concept.
