Acknowledging Progress and Paving the Path Forward
As we mark International Women’s Day and 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, we reflect on the progress made towards gender equality. But it’s crucial to recognise the work yet to be done. This is a time to both celebrate the women who have broken barriers and to uplift the girls who will carry the movement forward.
At Girl Guides Victoria, we believe that now, more than ever, girls and young women need spaces where they can reach their full potential and be empowered to march forward. We are committed to fosteringa future where girls rise, lead, and thrive—because all girls and women matter.
Leadership Starts with Guiding
From the moment a girl joins a Girl Guides Unit, she steps into a space of limitless potential. At Girl Guides Victoria, we believe in nurturing leadership from a young age by creating brave spaces where girls can build confidence, ambition, and self-belief. As girls participate in activities, build skills, andwork towards badges and goals, they develop the leadership qualities and real-world skills they need to take on meaningful roles and speak up for what they believe in.
Every challenge they face and skill they acquire shapes them into confident leaders, ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Growing Stronger with Every Step
Whether they’re canoeing across a river, camping under the stars, or leading a community service project, Girl Guides embrace challenges head-on. Guiding, rooted in adventure and outdoor experiences, encourages girls to to take on physical and mental challenges that broaden their horizons.
Through these experiences, girls cultivate a confidence that goes beyond the outdoors, enabling them to approach life’s challenges with determination and focus. As they navigate new terrain, both physically and metaphorically, they develop a mindset that embraces obstacles as opportunities for growth. This confidence translates into every aspect of their lives, equipping them to tackle future hurdles with resilience and a belief in their ability to lead.
Preparing Girls to Lead the Way
At Girl Guides Victoria, leadership is built on confidence, responsibility, and respect. Girls are encouraged to take on leadership roles in all aspects of Guiding, from planning and delivering activities at Unit meetings to mentoring younger Guides. These practical experiences teach them to adapt, recognise their potential, and lead with purpose.
Leadership at Girl Guides is not a solitary journey but one underpinned by teamwork, collaboration, and supporting others’ growth. Girls are encouraged to speak up, challenge injustices, and advocate for change. Whether they are advocating for environmental action, gender equality, or any cause close to their hearts, Guides learn that their voices are valued. They discover that change begins with collective action, and that true leadership lies in inspiring others to take action too.
This approach creates a ripple effect that extends beyond their Units and communities—one that drives innovation, bold yet informed action, and progress. Through their experiences, Guides develop the skills and confidence to lead the way toward a more equal, just, and sustainable world.
A Path to Progress: There’s Still Work to Do
Despite the progress we have made, gender gaps remain, holding girls back from reaching their full potential. Education, leadership roles, and pay gaps persist, and these disparities must be addressed. The journey to equality is ongoing and demands sustained action and collective effort.
Join our March Forward
It’s up to all of us—Guides, leaders, volunteers, parents and advocates—to work together and ensure that the future we build is one where every girl can lead, thrive, and succeed.
Let’s keep pushing boundaries. Let’s keep breaking down barriers. Together, we can create a future where every girl’s voice is heard, her potential is realised, and her power to lead is limitless.
Ways You Can Make a Difference:
Champion girls’ futures, while enriching your own. Volunteering with Girl Guides empowers you to build invaluable skills, expand your network, and experience the satisfaction of making a tangible difference. Sign up here.
Unlock potential through Guiding. Through fun activities and real-world experiences, girls discover their unique strengths and capabilities. Find a Guide Unit near you today.
Make a lasting impact. Your tax-deductible donation helps power our programs and provide girls with the tools, resources and opportunities to grow into confident leaders. Donate here.
Our collective efforts today march us toward a future where every girl can lead, thrive and break barriers.