Tag: girls

Competition to put girls at core of new generation of investors

Future Asset aims to boost number of women in investment management 

An educational initiative encouraging schoolgirls to become the next generation of investment experts gets out of the starting blocks next month.   

This year’s Growing Future Assets Competition, which aims to introduce senior girls to the world of investment, its impact and range of careers, begins on 6 September when teenagers from all over Scotland will vie to spot the next big investment opportunity.  

Financial educators Future Asset are challenging teams of 14-18-year-olds to research, analyse and pitch a company they think will be a great long-term investment.  

They will be paired with a mentor from an investment management company who will provide advice, inspiration and career insights, and have the chance to attend online masterclasses as they develop an understanding that good investing focuses on a company’s long-term prospects, profits and sustainability.  

They will also be advised by Executive and Voice Coach Susan Room, to help them feel, look and sound more confident and hear from author, broadcaster and financial journalist Iona Bain on how the younger generation can invest their way to a better future.  

At the same time they’ll hone transferable skills including research, analysis, communication, numeracy, working with others and presentation skills.     

Now in its second year, the competition is divided into a senior contest for years S5 and S6 and a junior challenge for S3 and S4.

The teams of three to six girls will present their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch by 30 November. The top teams will then deliver an extended pitch to judges at the final in March next year.  

At stake is: £1,000 for the winning senior team and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member; £800 for the best junior team and £150-worth of vouchers each.  Senior and junior runners-up will also receive prizes for the school and team members.   

Helen Bradley, Future Asset programme manager, says: “Winning is wonderful but the real bonus of this sort of initiative is the wealth of additional skills and experience that it gives these young women and the window it opens onto a career they may never have considered.  

“Earlier this year an investment research firm reported that more UK investment funds were run by men called Dave or David than by female managers! Future Asset is aiming to change that and this competition is a tremendous opportunity to open up a new era in female-led investment.  

“We’re also very much aware that face-to-face work experience has been off the agenda for the last 18 months so we see this as a valuable chance to bring the world of work into school in a novel way.”  

Future Asset believes that being female should never be seen as a barrier to progressing in a chosen career. Their goal is to enable girls in the senior phase of high school to learn how investment can change the world for the better, gain valuable, transferable skills and consider the benefits of possible future careers. They organise conferences and workshops for girls across Scotland.

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/   

Future Asset is sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors and Walter Scott and Partners. They are also backed by Member firms who provide volunteers and mentors, supporting the programme to engage and enthuse girls and increase gender diversity in investment management.  

Girlguiding: Back In Lockdown report

Following the recent girls and young women’s survey, we’ve collected the findings and wanted to share research – ‘Back in lockdown’.

We’ve been asking how girls and young women are coping with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has radically changed their lives and shaped their perspectives.

In our report you can find out more about what they’re appreciating, the challenges they’ve been experiencing and aspirations for the future 💙

Download our report here ➡️https://bit.ly/3dgQwO4

It’s time to talk about women and girls’ mental health in Edinburgh

The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) is urging people in Edinburgh to get involved in the national conversation around tackling gender equality issues in relation to mental health.

Gender roles and expectations have particular mental health consequences for women and girls and the current COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these pressures. Unpaid care work, juggling work commitments and social media pressures are just some of the factors triggering more women and girls to suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm. 

The Advisory Council will examine what needs to change to offer greater support to women and girls and take a feminist approach to self-care as well as determine what actions are needed to improve gender equality in relation to mental health.

The NACWG was established in 2017 to play a leading role in raising the issue of gender inequality on Scotland’s agenda by drawing attention to a wide range of issues faced by women and girls. Putting a spotlight on a new theme on a bi-monthly basis, the Advisory Council aims to bring people together and create discussion on many issues still faced by women and girls in Scotland today.

The NACWG is putting a Spotlight on Mental Health until the end of December to understand the emotional and psychological challenges faced by women and girls, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Louise Macdonald OBE, Co-Chair of The NACWG, said: “While we have seen the stigma around discussing mental health decrease in recent years, things like access to support services remain an issue for many.

“Poor mental health can prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential, therefore, it’s important they feel supported,  particularly during these unprecedented times. 

“The Advisory Council is inviting groups, organisations and networks in Edinburgh, to share their experiences, opinions and ideas around the Mental Health Spotlight. Every bit of feedback will help to gather more insight and help to drive action in creating long-lasting change for women and girls in Scotland.”

To participate in this national conversation, groups, organisations and networks are encouraged to form a virtual Wee Circle to discuss issues surrounding inequalities in mental health and share ideas on how this can be tackled. 

Feedback from these Wee Circle discussions, as well as individual feedback, can be submitted online at onescotland.org/NACWG. 

Thoughts can also be shared on social media using the hashtag #GenerationEqual.

Edinburgh urged to share views on gender inequality and body image

The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) is calling on Edinburgh residents to join the #GenerationEqual movement and have their say in its latest discussion surrounding body image.

Increased societal pressures relating to ‘body image standards’ and the rise in use of social media has had a considerable impact on body image for many women and girls of all ages.

Discrimination, developing distorted perceptions and dealing with low self-esteem, often with associated mental health consequences, are just some of the issues stemming from body image. The Advisory Council would like to hear views on body image from people of all genders and those who don’t identify to help inform its findings and shape its recommendations to the First Minister.

The NACWG was formed to drive equality for women and girls in every community across Scotland by raising the issue of gender inequality. Focusing on a new Spotlight theme on a bi-monthly basis, the Advisory Council aims to bring people together and create discussion on many issues still faced by women and girls in Scotland today. The NACWG is putting a Spotlight on body image  until the end of October to explore the daily challenges and pressures of body image.

Louise Macdonald OBE, Co-Chair of the NACWG, said: “In today’s society women and girls still face huge pressures to look a certain way as they compare their appearance to others on social media, magazines and in advertisements. Poor self-confidence can be extremely damaging, and can lead to many women and girls struggling with their self-worth and place in society.

“The Advisory Council is inviting groups, organisations and networks in Edinburgh, to share their experiences, opinions and ideas around the body image Spotlight. Every bit of feedback will help advise the First Minister and drive action in creating long-lasting change for women and girls in Scotland.”

To participate in this national conversation groups, organisations and networks are encouraged to form a virtual Wee Circle to discuss these issues and share ideas on how it can be tackled. 

Feedback from these Wee Circle discussions, as well as individual feedback, can be submitted online at onescotland.org/NACWG. 

Alternatively, thoughts can be shared on social media using the hashtag #GenerationEqual.

Mind, Body & Soul: SHE school programme

SHE new high school programme Mind, Body & Soul has launched.

SHE providing a blended learning approach with our educational partners.

Our groupwork programme supports young women (S1-S4) to manage stress and anxiety, develop techniques to improve confidence and self esteem and silence their inner critic.

Promoting self healing and improving skills to move forward and embrace life.

For more information please contact shescotland@outlook.com

It’s time to address gender inequality and racism in Edinburgh

The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) is urging Edinburgh residents to get behind the #GenerationEqual movement by sharing their experiences in its latest discussion surrounding racism and inequality and the need to eradicate racism to achieve equality in Scotland. 

Women and girls continue to face inequalities that negatively affect their daily life and the NACWG wants to find out more about these intersectional issues, including employment and career progression. The Advisory Council would like to hear from individuals of any gender and those who don’t identify within Edinburgh to understand any/all challenges of racism and inequality. 

The NACWG was established as a catalyst for change, playing a leading role in raising the issue of gender inequality on Scotland’s agenda by providing a challenging voice to the First Minister.

Focusing on different spotlight themes, the Advisory Council encourages people to share ideas and opinions on different gender equality issues. The NACWG’s spotlight is on ‘Racism and Inequality’ until June as part of its efforts to better understand racism in Scotland and help create a society where we are all equal. 

To participate in the national conversation and show support, individuals are encouraged to form a ‘Wee Circle’ with family, friends or colleagues to discuss the issues surrounding racism and inequality for women and girls.

Feedback from Circle discussions can be submitted online at onescotland.org/NACWG. Alternatively, people can share their thoughts on social media using the hashtag #GenerationEqual. 

Dr Ima Jackson, joining Louise Macdonald OBE as Co-Chair of The NACWG in 2020, said: “Racism and inequality is still a problem within Scotland, particularly for women. Women and girls are too often discouraged within society to reach their full potential because of both their gender and the colour of their skin. 

“We invite people across Edinburgh to share their views and experiences, whether they themselves or someone they know is affected by these issues. We will use this feedback to help advise the First Minister what is needed to tackle gender inequality and racism through our recommendations. This is an opportunity for the people of Edinburgh to play a part in real and lasting change for everyone in Scotland.”  

Read The NACWG’s 2019 report and recommendations at onescotland.org/NACWG.

Girlguiding: February break sessions in Restalrig

GIRLGUIDING FEBRUARY BREAK SESSIONS IN RESTALRIG

Are you aged 14-18?

Looking for something to do this February break?

Do you want to try out some new activities? 

Girlguiding Edinburgh are inviting girls aged 14 -18 to join them for fun and adventure at Girlguiding Ranger sessions from 10-14 February every evening at the Ripple Project in Restalrig.

The sessions are open to all girls aged 14-18 to take part in a range of exciting and new activities such as camp skills, games, an exciting day trip, and so much more!

Girls are encouraged to attend all sessions, so if you’re looking for something different to do, or you know a girl who might be interested then go to www.girlguiding.org.uk or call 0131 226 4511.

Looking for more info? Visit us at Ocean Terminal between 7 – 10 February where we’ll be on hand to answer any questions you may have.