Because I am a Girl: Documenting a Movement

In 2011, GGC partnered with Plan Canada for the mutual endorsement of Plan Canada’s Because I am a Girl campaign and GGC’s 2011 National Service Project: EmPOWERing Girls. To enable Pathfinders and Rangers to learn that each of them has the power to create positive change and the unique leadership skills to take action themselves, Plan Canada has generously shared their Because I am a Girl Documentary, along with discussion questions.

Program covered

• Pathfinders: Follow that Woman module
• Rangers: Leadership and Management challenge

30 minutes

Available online at http://vimeo.com/11113007

Objectives

Through the stories of Canadian girls making a difference in their communities, Pathfinders and Rangers will learn that each of them has the power to create positive change and the unique leadership skills to take action themselves.

Rationale

Girls make important contributions in our world! Have you ever thought you were undervalued? How did this make you feel? Did you know that you can make big change! By learning about what other girls are doing – average girls taking on leadership in their own way and doing some extraordinary things, you can feel more empowered to make change in your community. Watch this film and then use the discussion questions to think critically about the different issues that the girls take on – from body image to political engagement.

Putting thoughts into words

Here are some questions to help you start talking about the film. You don’t need to answer them all. They can help you to guide your conversation so that it is meaningful and allows everyone to discover something.

1. Did anything in the film surprise or shock you? Did anything make you feel hopeful or proud?
2. What are some of the issues that girls face in countries around the world?
3. What kind of obstacles and discrimination do girls face here in Canada?
4. Do you think there is a connection between the issues girls face here and what girls are dealing with around the world?
5. In Vancouver, Megan learned that most girls would rather be called stupid than fat. Why do you think that is? Do you think that’s true among the girls you know?
6. Where do you think girls your age get their ideas about how they are supposed to look and behave?
7. What kind of ‘look’ and attitude do you think the media tells us that girls should have? What is the impact of trying to conform to this idea?
8. Maureen Fitzgerald says that girls and women are told never to complain. Do you agree? Do you think it’s a good thing or a bad thing to never complain?
9. Afnan is trying to get more young people to exercise their right to vote. What is the connection between girls’ rights and voting?
10. Why do you think there are fewer women in politics than men? What could be done to encourage more women to go into politics?
11. What do you think are the best ways of motivating young people to get involved, for example, in politics, media (like Samira’s group) or projects in the community?
12. Has anyone ever told you that you couldn’t do something because you’re a girl?
13. How did you react?
14. What issues do you care about? What have you done, or could you do, to make a positive change?
15. Finish the sentence in a way that’s meaningful to you ‘Because I am a girl….’

Putting words into action

1. Write down words you would use to describe the girls you met through the film. Now, get copies of magazines that are popular with girls your age. Take a critical look at what kind of girl or woman is being portrayed through the articles, advertisements, and photos. Write down the words you would use to describe her. How are your two lists different? How are they similar? Make a separate list combining what you think are the best characteristics from both lists. Do you know anyone with all these qualities? Circle the qualities that you have. Put a square around the ones that you don’t think you have but would most like to acquire. What kind of support and opportunities do you need to become that kind of person? What goals can you set for yourself to attain those qualities?
2. Pick one of the issues that came up during the film that interests you (lack of gender equality in education, honour killings, economic imbalance between men and women, body image and the media etc…) and research it online. Work with your Unit to come up with a way for everyone to share their research such as posters, short presentations, or anything else you can think of. How can you share this information with people outside your Unit?
3. Choose one of the girl-led projects you saw in the film to put into action in your own community or come up with your own! For instance, raise awareness about the importance of young people being involved in politics like Afnan, organize a fundraiser for CWFF to support  projects overseas like Willa, organize a body image workshop like Megan, or cover/respond to a news story in your community from a young person’s perspective like Samira through video, a letter to your local paper, or a blog. Check out becauseiamagirl.ca for ideas!
4. Share your reactions to the documentary on becauseiamagirl.ca to add your voice to the discussions!