We live in a world of paradoxes. Right now, women in the United States outnumber men in college enrollment, and post-graduate programs, including law schools and medical schools. At the same time, a recent study found that 79 percent of women admitted to struggling with their self esteem. Females are excelling in almost every field like never before, yet research shows that the confidence of young girls plummets by the time they reach 14 years of age.
Also troubling is the scourge of human trafficking that persists in the U.S. and around the world. Although efforts to fight this evil have increased in recent years, the crisis of exploitation of young girls by labor and sex traffickers continues. Oftentimes these young victims are vulnerable due to the fear and intimidation imposed on them by those who exploit them.
There are no easy solutions to these issues. Awareness is a good first start. Another key element is building confidence in young women, especially between the ages of 8 and 14. According to Katty Kay and Claire Shipman in their book, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance - What Women Should Know, inculcating confidence in young women means helping them be their most authentic selves, and helping them display that to the outside world.
Another important factor, according to these authors, for increasing confidence is finding high-achieving women to be role models for other women, especially young women. This opens up a vision and path of success that is achievable.
An important foundation stone of confidence is knowing you have inherent worth, that you are loved and valued for who you are. That's why a simple phrase like "you matter" can be so powerful. It can be powerful for females of all ages.
So, "All Girls Matter" is more than a mantra, or a catch-phrase. It is a simple statement to all girls that they are created with value, imago dei. Hopefully, it will be part of a larger movement to increase confidence, find role models, and change the world.