The Confidence Gap

I remember the day I learned to speak. It was grade 10 and I was sat in my International Politics class acting like a lipgloss loving, boy crazy, pop-culture worshiping ditz. Don't get me wrong the class was interesting, it was actually one of my favourite classes. I found politics to be simulating and complex, I thought deeply about many of our class discussions. But I never turned up keen to debate the controversial issues or voice my own opinion. I just listened to what the teacher and others said, and if I was called upon I'd fumble and say something generic to perpetuate my ditzy persona. It wasn't until my teacher, to this day the lady I credit with getting me passionate about International Relations, pulled me aside after class one day and changed how I would carry myself. I don't remember the details of the conversation, but I do remember gaining some sense of confidence in my voice that day. I started to speak out even when I wasn't 100% sure of my answer or if it seemed like my opinion clashed with others. Time went by and I joined debating and Model United Nations (MUN). Four years later and I'm at university studying International Relations. Today MUN is an integral part of my life and has contributed to how I feel confident in my own knowledge, thoughts, and voice. Now don't get me wrong, I still love lipgloss and pop-culture, but I'm not some mindless drone whose caving under societal pressures. I choose to love makeup and fashion.

https://90sflashback.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/clueless-as-if/

This anecdote is one many young girls can relate to. A lack of academic confidence, and confidence in all areas is rampant amongst young girls. The phenomenon is called the Confidence Gap  and is responsible for many of the hurdles girls face as the enter higher education and progress in their careers. Class room silence amongst teen girls is a tangible issue. Compared to their male counterparts young girls are far less likely to speak in class and be active and engaged. By constantly doubting our capabilities us girls are creating and sustaining barriers which hinder our abilities to break through the glass ceiling.

http://www.momhead.com

I was quite lucky to have found a mentor and been in a school that empowered young girls. However, the reality is most schools are not like mine and girls are not given the tools in class that they need to be empowered and close the confidence gap. Thats why organizations that focus on empowering young girls play a critical role in shaping the female future. This Friday I was privileged enough to attend the Girls Night In Event hosted by mOmhead and GirlDreamer which is a community engagement networking, social, safe space for young girls. The first hour of the event was open mic spoken word where girls as young as 15 bravely took the stage to speak about a variety of topics including anxiety, social issues, feminism, love, and home life. Their confidence inspired me. I realized as a young girl the impact a space like this one could have made on me, and did make on me. After the open mic I had the opportunity to speak to many girls about confidence. What Confidence meant to them, how confidence felt, when it was undermined, and how to nurture it. Their answers were illuminating. In each of them I recognized a part of me.

http://thefbomb.org/tag/white-feminism/

For girls to succeed in all walks of life closing the confidence gap and empowering women is necessary. Full stop. That's why I believe working with organizations, volunteering, or even attending events like Girls Night In can improve the lines of communication and provide young girls with tangible mentors. It is quite an easy thing to identify a problem, but solving it is much more difficult.



XXX,
F.