Hello, Her Path to Purpose community! We have entered the second quarter of 2023 which means spring is here, the days are longer, and the weather is getting warmer. It also means more opportunity for goal-setting, meeting new people, and more events.
As we move into the second quarter of 2023, it is always good to reflect on what we have achieved. We are always looking forward at what is next and what more can we do but it is always good to take a step back and look at what amazing work we have already done. As part of the worldwide celebrations of International Women’s Day, which took place on March 8th, Her Path to Purpose organised female-led speaker events at various schools across Birmingham for young girls. Hundreds of young girls were able to listen to the stories of women from the Her Path to Purpose community. I had the honour of being one of those guest speakers where I was able to share my journey. While I sat on the stage alongside two other amazing women whose stories, whilst different to mine were equally as inspiring, I looked out at the room of around 80 young girls and saw why we needed to do this.
These girls came from different backgrounds, different religions, and different ethnicities. They listened as we spoke about our journeys, our interests, how we got to our current situation, and why we chose the paths we did. As I sat there, I saw the limitless possibilities that sat before me. 80 young girls whose paths could go anywhere. Some are probably going to become doctors, nurses, and scientists. Others are probably going to become writers, poets, and artists. Engineers, lawyers, freelancers, teachers, managers, CEOs, the possibilities are endless. However, even in today’s society, there still remains numerous barriers for these girls. Cultural barriers where their parents will not allow them to leave home for university and choose a career path that is deemed ‘not for girls’. Social class barriers where some may not be able to afford tuition or simply find a quiet place to study. Learning barriers where they are not receiving sufficient education or they cannot learn the way everyone else does. Internal barriers such as lack of confidence and anxiety. As I spoke about my journey from moving out to university, learning to believe in myself, and learning about what I value, I saw myself sitting amongst the crowd as one of those young girls and I saw why sharing stories is so important.
Why young girls need good role models today
In today’s society where the younger generations are receiving so many mixed messages of what to believe in, what careers are best, and what to do with themselves from social media, teachers, and parents, having inspiring female role models is important. Someone who they can seek advice from, whose story they can relate to, whose struggles show that they are not alone.
Seeing is believing
It’s hard to be what you cannot see. You can tell young girls that they can be anything they want but young children and teenagers are very literal and visual. They must see the possibility in order to believe in it. Therefore, when listening to the stories of other women who have been in similar positions as they have, it helps solidify their expectations. It make them think, ‘if they’ve done it, that means I can to’. It also helps when women talk about their struggles and how they have overcome them. There will be at least one young girl who is in a similar position and are able to see an end to their struggles.
Opportunity to seek advice
Sometimes its hard to find the right advice you need at a certain point in your life. There are so many different avenues young girls could choose from searching online to teachers to parents. But often, they may not be able to provide the best advice especially if they have not experienced what they are currently experiencing. For example, it would be difficult to seek advice about university from one’s parents’ if they have never been to university. That is why when listening to women who have experienced similar situations, they can offer insightful advice that is practical.
Remind them of what is important
Whilst it is important to share stories of one’s successes and failures, female role models can also remind young girls that they should get the most out of their childhood. There are so many ‘adulting’ problems that we worry about as we get older and only wish that we could go back to simpler times. So it is important to remind young girls that even though it can seem like life is throwing loads of curveballs, make the most out of your childhood. Enjoy spending time with friends, finding new interests and hobbies, and learning about yourself and your passion.
Why diversity is important
Her Path to Purpose offers a vibrant and diverse community of women from different backgrounds, careers, and whose journeys vary from person to person. It is important to have good female role models to show young girls that the possibilities with what they can do in their lives are endless. However, having diverse role models means that there is always a story for everyone. Every story is unique. Every experience differs based on where they grew up, their ethnicity, and their family, just to name a few variable. Therefore, the more stories that can be shared, the more young girls those stories can reach and inspire.