Self-Esteem of Young Girls Affects Their Future - How and Why to Take Care About It

A recent study by the Foundation Fund in Britain found an alarming deficit in self-esteem among young girls in the country. That lack of self-esteem among girls in Britain will obviously have an impact on the girls themselves, but the societal implications go much deeper.

As the Foundation Fund study points out, the lack of positive female role models for the children of today could lead to a lack of powerful female leaders down the road. After all, it is the girls of today who will, or will not, become the leaders of tomorrow. That means it is up to everyone, both men and women, to address these issues and do what they can to turn things around.

The good news is that there are some things we can all do to give the young women of today the sell-esteem and confidence they will need to become the leaders of tomorrow. Whether you have kids or not, you can help to make a difference by encouraging girls and young ladies to move through their lives with confidence and grace.

Parents of young girls can start in their own homes by expanding their circle of friends to include as many successful and vibrant female role models as possible. Kids learn by example, and setting an example in your own home is one of the best ways to build self-esteem and confidence in your daughters. Working moms can also set a great example simply by going to work every day and being the best at what they do.

Introducing young girls to positive female role models is another great way to make a difference. Look around your neighborhood for female politicians, business leaders and other women you admire, then make it a point to introduce your children to those outstanding individuals. Encourage civic awareness by attending a rally by a female politician you admire, and bring your daughter along for a first-hand experience in democracy and female empowerment.

Schools have a huge role to play in addressing the lack of self-esteem and confidence among their female charges. School administrators can start by creating educational assemblies and other presentations featuring local businesswomen and community leaders. Parents can help out by tapping their professional and personal networks for examples of successful women in their own communities.

Parents can also take advantage of the empowerment opportunities provided by their own employers. Take Your Daughter to Work Day is now fimily entrenched in corporate America. and companies large and small participate in that celebration of female empowerment each and every year. Working moms (and dads) can use that special day to introduce their daughters to the modem workplace, and hopefully introduce them to powerful female executives who work in their offices.

Those parents can also encourage their bosses to expand empowerment and learning opportunities for young girls beyond that one day a year. Companies with female CEOs and other top leaders maybe especially good candidates for these enrichment opportunities. There is nothing like meeting the female CEO of the company mom works for to reinforce the notion that young girls can go as far in business as their talents take them.

Addressing the current lack of confidence among young girls is the responsibility of every citizen. After all, the very future of the nation is at risk if half the population fails to live up to their full potential.