Anna Maria Chávez, the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, thinks that we have an obligation to empower girls, and that the best way to do that is by educating them. We know we agree with her—and it turns out that most Americans do too. New research from Girl Scouts shows that 81 percent of registered voters believe that preparing girls for leadership roles should be a national priority. Read on to see Chávez explain why the education system needs to change, why it matters, and what you can do about it.
You simply cannot escape it.
The impassioned discourse and disparate, colorful personalities in the current election have thoroughly permeated every aspect of the media, aggressively capturing the public imagination and attention. And in the midst of it all, there's at least one history-making element to consider that warrants spotlight: there is an accomplished women campaigning for the role of leader of the free world. A woman who, through a lifetime of hard work, tenaciousness, perseverance and, most importantly, early educational opportunities, was undoubtedly primed to achieve her future goals.
And that makes the conversation about nurturing the potential of young women and girls early in their educational development all the more relevant, timely and undeniably important.
The latest headlines and statistics depict a dire and somewhat dismal educational environment for girls here in the U.S., highlighting an alarming disparity between the quality and overall attentiveness of instruction girls and boys receive. Research conducted by the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) revealed instances where teachers—unintentionally and unconsciously—provide boys more thoughtful feedback, and call on boys more often than girls. Additionally, there is the troubling discovery that girls are rarely selected to give classroom demonstrations to their peers or assist with an experiment. Even more problematic is the ratio of attention teachers afford to boys increases as students advance from elementary to junior and senior high school. This neglect marks a sensitive and critical time in girls' developmental progress, and can negatively impact how they perceive their capacity for learning and advancement.
Unfortunately, this trend of inequity continues on as girls evolve into women who join the workforce and soon confront a harsh reality regarding earning potential. In its recently released Global Gender Gap Report 2015, the World Economic Forum disclosed an alarming outlook surrounding economic- workplace disparity: it will take another 118 years—or until 2133—until the global pay gap between men and women is finally closed.
Until we collectively challenge these institutionalized injustices for girls and women, our determination to advance and progress as a global society will ultimately fail.
As an issue of national importance, American voters understand the value of supporting girls' leadership development through preparation in subjects, hands on experience, and career exposure to financial literacy, business, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In fact, according to our recent research poll conducted by Harris Interactive, entitled The Vote Is In: What Americans Say about the Importance of Girls' Issues, the vast majority of American voters believe investing in girls' education is the key to our country's advancement, with 82 percent feeling that America's future depends significantly on preparing girls for careers in business, science, finance, and other careers traditionally dominated by men.
Our electorate is also adamant that more government support is needed to support girls' education now and in the future, as 88 percent believe our country should be doing more to encourage girls to follow their interest in STEM. The notion of greater investment will prove pivotal, as it will help close a projected 3 million shortfall in American scientists within the next 30 years.
Unequivocally, what these poll results indicate is that now, more than ever, girls' issues are our issues. And every serious 2016 presidential candidate who proclaims to genuinely care about our nation's future standing as a global economic and technological power should demonstrate a commitment to addressing the issues facing girls in our country. Because unlocking the vibrant potential in our girls is what will help guarantee our continued evolution in every aspect of our society—especially within the tech realm.
At the Girl Scouts, we recognize the importance of exposing girls at an early age to the wonders of STEM and how the knowledge gained can be applied toward enriching their communities and the world at large. Because our organization endeavors to inspire girls to explore different aspects of STEM every year, we've developed a stimulating K-12 curriculum aimed towards creating a platform for girls to embrace and celebrate the possibilities of scientific discovery. And the more girls are encouraged to pursue a path of intellectual curiosity and educational achievement, the greater and deeper the breadth of talent for our future will be—representing the next generation of leaders who will illuminate our collective path to greatness.
The well-worn adage "the children are our future" becomes little more than a hollow platitude in the absence of purpose. If, as a society and a global community, we purport to be serious about investing in the educational well-being of those most vulnerable, then we must demonstrate our collective commitment through political engagement, community activism and educational support. We owe it to girls as concerned, invested adults to give these issues the attention deserved, or be prepared to suffer the long-term ramifications of a generation unprepared to serve as productive, ambitious, capable and civic-minded members of society.
How we choose to combat this educational crisis will shape the course of our development and progression as a global society. When we actively facilitate a fertile environment for girls to enrich and elevate their minds, we all reap the benefits in the form of stronger communities, a more egalitarian political landscape, and a more robust economy. Whether you are a parent or merely a concerned citizen, it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to advocate for educational parity for girls and their scholarly pursuits. Ensuring that a nurturing, equitable foundation for learning exists today will create a smart, intellectually formidable legion generation of young women prepared to tackle the complex challenges that await us in the future.
Knowledge remains the key to empowerment. We are on the cusp of ushering in an intellectual and educational renaissance for girls worldwide—girls who are poised to advance our communities in significant, influential ways. So the next time you gaze into the bright, optimistic face of your daughter, or niece, or granddaughter—or the Girl Scout selling you delicious cookies—know that the young girl standing before you represents the limitless potential for excellence and embodies the capacity for greatness.
Anna Maria Chávez is the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA