This Little Girl is Me
I initially wrote this article as a LinkedIn and Instagram post for the social media campaign: International Day of the Girl (11 October). I encourage all the incredible women in my network who haven’t yet shared their story to join the #thislittlegirlisme campaign by Miriam Gonzalez Durantez and share their story – not just to mark the International Day of the Girl but to make every day the day that girls feel inspired.
This little girl is 4 years old, she hasn’t yet started primary school nor got the glasses that she will be teased for and make her self-conscious age 7. At secondary school she will find it hard to fit in with a group of girls and wonder why she doesn’t have a best friend when everyone else does. Although she is smart and very capable, she will only ever do the bare minimum rather than excel for fear of being seen as clever; because she just wants to fit in.
When she goes to University she will realise for herself the world of opportunity at her feet. She will work so hard to earn her place at the University of California, Berkeley for her year abroad and will know that the world really is her oyster. She will be forever changed by studying in the surroundings of where the Free Speech Movement started and will dream to make a difference in the future herself.
Today this little girl is a qualified Coach & Lawyer. She lives with her husband, 6yr old daughter & 3yr old son. She has several different groups of friends from all stages of her life & all over the world, and her heart is full.
This little girl is me.
If I could give my younger self and any young girls out there some advice, it would be: Stay in your own lane, you don’t have to fit in. Concentrate on you - Be brave & strong & kind and you will succeed. Always.
Why am I telling you this? Because research says that 70% of girls feel more confident about their futures after hearing from women role models.
I can’t wait to hear your stories. Thank you for reading mine.
Inspiring Girls International is an organisation dedicated to raising the aspirations of young girls around the world by connecting them with female role models, founded by Miriam Gonzalez Durantez. It started in the UK and is now in 28 countries. If you want to know more about Inspiring Girls International have a look on their website:
