Abstract
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In vulnerable areas of Venezuela, many girls and young women see their future limited to being caregivers or domestic workers.
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The NGO Inspiring Girls, operating in 30 countries, aims to change this perception.
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The organization is working to inspire girls in these areas, encouraging them to envision a future beyond traditional gender roles.
Inspiring Girls in Vulnerable Areas of Venezuela: A Noble Task
In the vulnerable areas of Venezuela, many girls and young women see their future confined to being caregivers or domestic workers. However, the NGO Inspiring Girls, which operates in 30 countries, is on a mission to change this perception and inspire these girls to envision a future beyond traditional gender roles.
The Alarm of Limited Aspirations
The limited aspirations of these girls are a cause for concern. Meily Chang, the director of Inspiring Girls in Venezuela, describes the situation as an «alarm.» The ongoing structural crisis in Venezuela has influenced how girls and young women see their future. Many are left to assume the responsibilities of parents who have emigrated, leaving them in charge of younger siblings.
The Power of Inspiration
Inspiring Girls is working to change this narrative by sharing success stories of women engineers and other professionals. The organization aims to increase the professional ambition of girls by showing them that they can aspire to more than just being caregivers. They can be doctors, police officers, surgeons, or even flight attendants.
The Challenge of Confidence
One of the significant challenges that these girls face is confidence. According to Inspiring Girls, girls experience a 30% loss of self-confidence between the ages of 8 and 14. The organization is working to address this issue by encouraging girls to believe in themselves and their abilities.
The Impact of Parental Influence
Parental influence plays a significant role in shaping the aspirations of these girls. In many cases, girls are left to assume the responsibilities of parents who have emigrated, leaving them in charge of younger siblings. This situation often leads them to believe that caregiving is their only role. However, Inspiring Girls is working to change this perception by showing these girls that they can aspire to more.
Success Stories as a Source of Inspiration
Inspiring Girls is using success stories as a source of inspiration for these girls. They bring in women engineers and other professionals to share their experiences and encourage the girls to aim higher. One such success story is of a young girl from the Península de Paria, who took charge of her family when her parents emigrated. Despite her mother’s discouragement, the girl is now studying, proving that with the right support and encouragement, these girls can overcome their circumstances and achieve their dreams.
The Need for Confidence Building
One of the significant challenges that these girls face is a lack of confidence. According to Inspiring Girls, girls experience a 30% loss of self-confidence between the ages of 8 and 14. The organization is working to address this issue by encouraging girls to believe in themselves and their abilities. They aim to build their confidence and inspire them to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations or limitations.
Conclusion
The task of inspiring girls in vulnerable areas of Venezuela is a noble and necessary one. By showing these girls that they can aspire to more than traditional gender roles, organizations like Inspiring Girls are helping to shape a new generation of confident, ambitious women. Their work is a testament to the power of inspiration and the importance of challenging societal norms and expectations.