The Project
Empowering Girls was established in 2019 as a pilot programme initially implemented in 8 Exeter based schools, with inspiring professional women being paired with Year 9 girls (aged 13-14) to enhance their confidence and broaden their aspirations.
Since taking responsibility for Empowering Girls in Jan 2024, reach has expanded to schools across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay with even more schools joining us this academic year. Since it’s conception, over 600 girls and 140 mentors have been involved and positively impacted.
The programme involves six mentoring sessions covering topics like “Who Inspires You?” and “How to link your skills and abilities to what you love doing” to allow the mentee to explore future pathways and develop confidence to achieve their career goals.
By partnering mentees with successful women in a wide variety of fields, the girls can build a one-on-one relationship with a role model who can help them to reach their potential.
In addition to the 1-2-1 mentoring sessions, the programme offers:
Download our PDF information sheets:
- inspiring group talks
- communication workshops hosted by a local employer
- workplace visits enabling mentees to have a better understanding of local businesses and career opportunities
- annual celebration event, bringing mentees and mentors together to celebrate the success of the programme and to congratulate the young people involved.
Aims of the project
1. Shatter stereotypes and instil self-belief, a positive mindset, and positive language.
2. Introduce girls to female role models within a wide range of industries and sectors.
3. Inspire and challenge girls to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
4. Give girls access to knowledge, tools, skills, and support to overcome their barriers to success.
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
“I am delighted that so many Ted Wragg schools are taking part in the Empowering Girls programme. I want to say a big thank you to everyone at the Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub for the hard work they have put into this valuable programme. Not only are they providing girls with the tools they need to thrive in the workplace and their lives, they are also giving them a valuable insight into different career paths.”
Jo Skeel from the Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub said:
“It’s brilliant to be able to support so many girls from across the county with their career aspirations. It’s so important that girls know there are a wide range of opportunities out there for them and that they should never feel like a certain career path or sector isn’t for them. I hope the girls really enjoy taking part in the programme and that it inspires them to reach for the stars when it come to their future.”
Sarah Abrahams who founded the Empowering Girls Programme said:
“‘You can’t be what you can’t see’ Marian Wright Edelman. “We continue to strive for gender balance and equity in our society and although there have been big strides in the right direction over the last 50 years, there is still much to do.
“Empowering Girls aim is to give young girls tools and inspiration to enable them to broaden their aspirations. With the generosity of female business women across many sectors who give their time to share their own stories and experiences, we are helping the women of tomorrow have brighter futures.
“The girls have told us they feel more confident, more informed of choices they can make and we’ve also had parents share their delight as they see their daughters grow in their own beliefs and self-worth.“I have been delighted to see the expansion of the Empowering Girls initiative over the last 5 years, growing the number of girls we can empower across the South West. This wouldn’t be able to be achieved without the Careers Hub and vital school support.”
