 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Alison E. Wakefield, MPH, Training Department, ETR Associates, 4 Carbonero Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, 831-438-4060, alisonw@etr.org
Girls’ Development is a specific kind of youth development, which supports and empowers each girl to 1) develop as a whole person, 2) develop a variety of assets or protective factors enabling her to deal with life’s challenges, and 3) become involved in planning and implementing programs for herself, her community, and other youth.
The field of Girls’ Development is based on the following research-based assumptions: 1) girls have needs, strengths, and interests that are different from boys; 2) males and females have different challenges; 3) gender role expectations determine girls’ perceived opportunities; and 4) girls are underrepresented in key areas (e.g., math, science, technology, business, and politics).
The inclusion of strategies, activities and materials that focuses specifically on girls’ development will increase the likelihood that girls’ specific challenges and strengths will be addressed. We believe that improving the life options of girls will have a positive effect on the lives of boys as well. In this presentation, participants will increase their understanding of girls’ development best practice techniques and learn how to apply girls’ development best practice techniques to their programs.
Programs that address the needs of girls should provide safe spaces, opportunities for leadership, respect for girls’ cultures and communities, and provide opportunities for community building and social change (Ms. Foundation). Best practice techniques for educators include using inclusive language, allowing equal time for girls in groups, involving girls in program planning, and encouraging girls to express themselves (Resource Center for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention).
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Youth, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.