As the summer winds down and students prepare to head back to school, the excitement of new beginnings fills the air. But for many girls and nonbinary young people, this season is not just about stocking up on school supplies and reconnecting with friends; it’s also a critical time to set the stage for empowerment, growth, and success in the upcoming academic year.

Education is a powerful tool, and when young people are equipped with knowledge and skills, the ripple effect is felt across schools and entire communities. The years between nine and 13 are a critical time for their healthy development. Tailored interventions such as girl-focused programs can make a big difference in their health and well-being, sense of connection and belonging, participation and learning, leadership, and healthy relationships as they grow.

There are still areas where girls face specific challenges that need addressing—particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) participation, mental health, and leadership roles. Poverty, lack of support and belonging, sexist stereotypes along with barriers like racism and ableism, and safety concerns (both online and in real life) are also significant obstacles.

Count yourself in today to ensure that every girl has what they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially during the school year and beyond.

The Educational Landscape:

When we delve deeper into educational statistics and information, it becomes clear that there is still work to be done to eliminate barriers and fully empower girls and nonbinary young people.

Strategies for Empowerment During the School Year:

It’s vital that educators, parents, caregivers, and communities work together to empower girls, help them face these challenges, and help them excel in all areas of life. Here are some actionable strategies:

Schools can actively encourage girls to explore STEM subjects by offering dedicated programs, clubs, and workshops that make science and technology both accessible and exciting. Parents and caregivers can encourage girls to participate. The community-based programs we fund, such as Girls Can in Manitoba, help bridge the gaps in this education. Early exposure to STEM can spark a lasting interest and break down the barriers that have traditionally kept girls out of these fields. Highlighting successful women in STEM as role models can also inspire girls to pursue these fields.

Learn more:
Creating an inclusive STEM future – Canada.ca
Summer STEM for Girls – Canadian Women’s Foundation
Power Girls – A Migrant Girls STEM Project  – Canadian Women’s Foundation 

Families, communities, and institutions must prioritize mental health by offering support and resources like counseling, mental health workshops, and peer support groups. Creating a safe and supportive environment where girls can talk about their mental health challenges without stigma is crucial. Programs such as youth-centered grantee partners of the Canadian Women’s Foundation that focus on building resilience, self-esteem, and coping strategies are also beneficial.

Encourage girls to take on leadership roles within school organizations, sports teams, and community projects. Mentorship programs that connect girls with diverse mentors and leaders that look like them can also provide invaluable guidance and inspiration. We invest in community programs that encourage women and girls to help shape the programs they attend. They work together to find their voices, speak their minds, challenge gender stereotypes, and discover and celebrate their strengths. This helps participants develop leadership skills and become role models in their communities.

Read more:
The Facts | Women in Leadership

Programs can actively work to break down gender stereotypes and promote equality in the classroom. This includes ensuring that girls have equal opportunities in all activities and that their voices are heard and valued. Programs that build identity and cultural connection and belonging are important too. A sense of belonging is important for everybody, and “the presence of belonging, specifically school belonging, has powerful long- and short-term implications for students’ positive psychological and academic outcomes” (Allen et al., 2022). For Indigenous young people, building a sense of cultural identity, community, and belonging is particularly important (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2021).

Empowerment doesn’t stop at a school door. Family and community members play a crucial role in supporting girls’ education and personal development. The community programs we fund through your support build and reinforce the importance of confidence, perseverance, breaking barriers, and opening opportunities.

Read more:
Teen Healthy Relationships

Looking Ahead:

The back-to-school season is more than just a return to routine; it’s a chance to build momentum for the future. By focusing on key areas like STEM, mental health, and leadership, we can ensure that every girl has the tools and support she needs to succeed, today and tomorrow. Empowerment in classrooms and programs that work to eliminate the barriers girls face in schools and society at large, can reach far beyond school walls, shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

This school year, count yourself in to create environments where girls feel empowered to chase their dreams, overcome challenges, and become the leaders of tomorrow. Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Can we count you in to help us invest in a brighter, more equitable future for girls and nonbinary young people? Add your name to show your support for gender equality in Canada.

Empowering Girls Fund

The Fund supports programs that give girls and non-binary youth tools to develop into confident, resilient people, right when they need this support the most. It provides programs to build participants’ skills, gain mentorship opportunities, and deepen their self-esteem in safe spaces just for them with

  • STEM education
  • Sports and physical activity
  • Media literacy
  • Indigenous culture and connection
  • Mentorship

Resources: