We can be 'sheroes' - for more than one day!

The Girls' Network was founded on International Women's Day 2013 by two secondary school teachers who recognised that the girls they worked with lacked professional role models. Since then we have worked hard every day to challenge stereotypes and inspire girls and young women, to build their confidence, skills and aspirations regardless of their economic or social circumstances.

Over the last ten years and thanks to our growing network of 'sheroes', we have worked with nearly 8000 girls from some of the least advantaged backgrounds from Portsmouth to Newcastle. We've provided positive role models, one-to-one mentoring, development opportunities and access to a life-long network of support.  Our research shows that our mentoring programme has a huge impact on girls self-belief, confidence and hopes for the future. 91% of girls feel more confident and 93% feel more positive about their futures - mentoring works, it is important and we want to do more of it!

We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but we know there is much more to do. 

Girls who are growing up in communities of least advantage face a double disadvantage - the 'class ceiling' and the 'glass ceiling'. The cost-of-living crisis and Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened inequalities, with schooling and life chances of girls negatively affected. One in three children are now living in poverty compared to one in six in 2013*. Figures published by the Department for Education show disadvantaged pupils achieve on average half a grade lower in their GCSE results than children from better-off backgrounds, the widest gap since 2011-12. 

We are needed now more than ever.

Thanks to our friends, supporters, mentors and partners we are stronger today than ever before. In the next 10 years, we want to help thousands more girls to achieve unlimited futures. There are many ways you can be part of our powerful network of 'sheroes':

• Become a mentor - offer your time, skills and support to help a girl believe in herself and her unlimited future.
• Donate - as a one of payment or as a regular giver - every penny will help us reach more girls and young women.
• Partner with us - our corporate and community partners help us in many ways, from supporting us financially to sharing their skills and expertise. They are an important and valued part of our network.
• Fundraise for us - there are lots of ways to raise funds for us, either through our sporting events or by setting up your own event.
• Spread the word - liking and sharing our posts on social media, telling your friends and colleagues about us or opening doors to new networks of women, get in touch if you'd like our support to do this.

Our movement is powerful and impactful and we are changing lives for the better. Thank you for being part of our journey so far and here's to everything we can achieve together in our next decade.

* Girlguiding, Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2021, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2021, Social Mobility Foundation, 2013