How to Make the World a Better Place for Girls

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The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.

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International Women’s Day

Two young women work in an engineering facility surrounded by robotic equipment. International Women's Day On International Women’s Day, the organizers explore a theme. For example, in 2019 the theme was “Balance for Better,” showcasing gender equity. In 2022, it was “Break the Bias.”

The 2023 theme is “Embrace Equity,” and with missions to:

elevate women forging change via technology and sustainability in communities, workplaces and beyond
forge inclusive work cultures where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated
celebrate the work of women creatives and elevate visibility for commercial projects and commissions
elevate and advance gender parity in technology and celebrate the women forging innovation
shine a spotlight on activity uplifting and inspiring women to pursue goals without bias or barrier
assist women to be in a position of power to make informed decisions about their health
celebrate women athletes and applaud when equality is achieved in pay, sponsorship and visibility

In one area it appears that women made significant strides.

“The political awakening that began with the women’s marches has swelled into the midterm elections and expanded the definition of “women’s issues” to include health care, immigration, gun violence, and the environment.” New York Times

But in other areas, we haven’t made much progress at all. Where are women equally represented in corporations? Nowhere. Also, once women are in the workplace, they receive less support from managers and more likely to have to prove themselves than men.

What’s The Hardest Thing About Being a Girl In Your Country?

International Women’s Day is a great time to listen to girls around the world answer the question: “What’s the hardest thing about being a girl in your country?

[Are you ready to mobilize?]

Help Girls Play Big

International Women’s Day is a reminder that we are creating a better world for girls. Tara Mohr noticed in her work in executive coaching that although women had great ideas, they tended to sit back and seemed reluctant to act on them. In her book “Playing Big” she encourages women to push themselves to speak up, value their skills, and take risks.

“This playing big is not about climbing the ladder within broken systems. It’s about learning how to use your voice to change those systems…It’s about turning away from those narrow labels, refocusing your attention on your longings and dreams, and playing big in going for them.” Tara Mohr

How To Play Big

International Women's Day Leap — Photo by Edu Lauton

Mohr recommends:

Listen to your inner mentor instead of your inner critic. Recognize when you are critical of yourself rather than supportive. Is your inner voice tearing you down or building you up? Disengage from other people’s praise or critique and trust your own voice.
Stop being a ‘good student.’ Instead of relying on authority figures, trust your own wisdom. When you do something great make sure it is known. As Mohr says, a 5-year-old girl will talk about her accomplishments with enthusiasm. Have you stopped doing that for yourself?
Get started. Don’t hide. I admit, Mohr describes ways I put off getting started – by working on my plan to the nth degree but never actually implementing it, and by using excuses such as not enough time and lack of the proper credentials to do something I am perfectly capable of doing.
Take a leap. Listen to those ideas that come from your heart, even if you are scared.

Mohr’s excellent advice can help women overcome unhealthy habits and achieve their dreams. Let’s make sure our girls have the resources they need to play big from the very beginning.

Make The World a Better Place For Girls

I find inspiration in stories about people who use their strengths to make the change they wanted to see in the world.

For example, preparing girls for STEM professions is critical. The organization Girls Who Code supports girls from K-12 through college to prepare them for engineering jobs. They make the learning experience inspiring and fun.

And I love this story. Jessica Wade was disappointed with the lack of wikis about female scientists. So she decided to change that by writing over 1750 biographies. She admits there is still more to be done. She wants girls to find inspiring examples of successful female scientists.

How Will You Make a Difference for Girls?

I provide a 5-Step Activism Path for people to get started in activism. If you have a passion for women’s rights and issues, match your gifts to the right activism for you. Look beyond marching; instead, ask yourself where your strengths will make an impact on the issues that are important to you.

Consider the best match of your skills with women’s issues. In Keep Marching: How Every Woman Can Take Action and Change Our World by Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, the author provides policy recommendations and an appendix with lists of organizations that support the issues described in each chapter. For example, lead a group to end bias in the workplace. A toolkit is available on International Women’s Day.

Where can you make the most impact?

[Learn more about how to find your passion and change the world.]