"We all want our children to grow up believing that they can do whatever they want to do, but for girls it’s not always so straight forward", says Robert Drury, the father of five girls behind Role Models for Girls, a new service designed to share inspirational stories of female achievers.
With stereotypes, the gender pay gap, and social pressures placed on young girls, it’s not surprising that girls don’t always feel like they’re able to follow their dreams. That’s where inspirational stories of those that have achieved come in, providing insight into the world of people who have made a difference, who have done something amazing, who in their own way have followed their dreams.
Launched in December 2016, Role Models for Girls has so far included stories that have highlighted civil rights activists (Viola Desmond, first woman to appear on the Canadian $10 bill), actresses (Carrie Fisher, of Star Wars fame and campaigner on mental health issues), and politicians (Kersti Kaljulaid, first female head of state of Estonia), and will continue to share stories every week to its online audience. Whether it’s a plus size model who is fighting skinny model stereotypes, musicians in Afghanistan who are rapping about their experiences in the war torn country, or Arab police officers in the US making history, Role Models for Girls will seek to inspire in all walks of life.
"I have five daughters under the age of thirteen and I want them to grow up believing that their own abilities will allow them to do what inspires them" says Robert. "Why can’t my eldest be our local MP and why can’t my youngest be a fireman? I want them to see others who have put themselves out there, who have ignored the biases and the naysayers, and say to themselves ‘ I can do that’".
It’s early days for Role Models for Girls, but the need for inspiration is out there.
Only 13.2% of FTSE 250 directorships are held by women
In 2015, only half of the world’s working-age women are in the labor force, compared to 77 percent of working-age men
African-American women earn 64 cents and Latina women earn 56 cents for every dollar earned by a Caucasian man
Only 22% of UK MPs are female
