The Girl Guides origin story is a story of girl empowerment. It all began in 1909 when a group of courageous girls gate-crashed a Boy Scout rally in London, demanding they be included. More than 100 years later, girls are still showing the world what they can do. In 150 countries around the world, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are an unstoppable powerhouse – busting stereotypes and making a difference in the world.
Since the start of the year, we’ve been inviting conversations about each of the five girl-driven pillars (check out our earlier stories about safe space and growth mindset). In March, we’re diving into the third girl-driven pillar: positive identity. This core principle of Guiding is all about challenging stereotypes of what girls and young women can and can’t do. Guiders play a critical role in helping girls explore their interests and overcome barriers the world sometimes puts in their way. They introduce girls to inspiring women role models from all walks of life in order to help them find their own unique voices.
Emma Fisher-Cobb, a Guider in Hamilton, ON, shares her experience supporting positive identity:
“A few years ago, I took my Guides to Mohawk college and did a women-driven careers day. We took apart and built an engine – the activity was led by a woman professor. Many girls hadn’t considered that they could do that before. It was hugely positive and got them talking about the trades.”
Diamond Isinger, a Guider in Vancouver, B.C., shared this inspiring story:
“I organized the Parliament Hill launch event for Mighty Minds a few years ago. Among the elected officials they met, girls got to meet Minister Bardish Chagger (a former Girl Guide!) and share ideas about mental health. One of the girls turned to me after speaking to her and said ‘Did you see? I just met the government!’”
The Girl Guides of Canada Mission is to be a catalyst for girls empowering girls. As catalysts, mentors and advocates for girls, Guiders support positive identity development every day. When a girl looks into the mirror, we want her to see a strong, confident person with loads of potential…someone proud to forge her own pathway into the future.
Guider storytelling contest – enter to win!
This year, we’re celebrating the critical role Guiders play in girls’
lives! From January to May, we’re inviting Guiders to share their stories of
girl-driven Guiding.
In March, we’d love to hear your stories of the third girl-driven pillar: positive identity. How do you help girls challenge stereotypes? How have girls thrived in your unit? What have you learned?
Contest details:
- Send your stories of positive identity in Guiding to delivery@girlguides.ca by March 26 for a chance to win a Guider self-care package
- Please include your name, mailing address, iMIS#, Provincial Council and the branch level of your unit
- Images encouraged (please ensure we have permission to share!)