Girls at Work

 

https://www.upworthy.com/girls-at-work-is-empowering-young-girls-with-confidence

Elaine Hamel founded "Girls at Work" in 2000 to challenge traditional norms and normalize girl power, particularly between the ages of 8 and 18. Elaine  says empowerment shouldn't just be a buzz word but a way of life.

Elaine says girls are bombarded from an early age with messages telling them they can't, it's too heavy, it's too big. Unless someone takes the time to show them otherwise, they will grow up thinking those limitations are true and they will never reach their full potential. Girls at work wants to show them, they can!

The group organise summer camps and workshops where girls learn to communicate ideas, use tools and build something practical. Elaine believes learning how to use power tools shows the girls they can do anything they put their minds to, preparing them for a brighter future.

Elaine grew up in the 1970s and 80s and worked in construction. She says when she started out it was brutal; "The men were so cruel but I grew up with 5 brothers so I was used to it. I told myself I'd be the boss one day and here I am."

The group works as a community with help for other groups. For example, a club of retired men pre-cut the lumber for the Girls at Work projects. The girls use that lumber to create projects such as picnic benches and tables which are then donated to local organisations. 

- what do you see in the picture, what is she holding?

- what are traditional norms?

- what does empowerment mean?

- "Girls are bombarded from an early age with messages telling them they can't, it's too heavy, it's too big..." are they? give examples?

- what is the word for when someone faces discrimination because of their gender?

- what is a gender stereotype, how do gender stereotypes affect us?

- how can using a power tool prepare someone for a brighter future?

- why do you think men were cruel to Elaine when she started out in construction?

- there are actually outsiders in this story, who are they? (boys) is that ok? 

- Why do you think Elaine has made this group for girls only, was that the right thing to do?

- what can we learn from Elaine?

- why is this about no outsiders? (Is it about No Outsiders?)

- how can we make sure gender stereotypes are challenged at our school?

 No Outsiders: Everyone different, everyone welcome by Andrew Moffat

www.no-outsiders.com