Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment
Learn about gender equality issues and take action to create positive change. This pathway helps you develop skills in public speaking, research, and community organizing while making a real difference. Whether you’re volunteering at a local shelter, raising awareness at school, or advocating for change, you’ll build confidence standing up for what you believe in.
Building your Award:
Find Bronze Award examples to support activity planning
Example SMART Goal: I care deeply about supporting women in my community. My plan is to volunteer an hour each week at a local women’s shelter for 13 weeks, helping with activities, organizing donations, and providing support where needed.
Example Assessor: Women’s shelter volunteer coordinator or program supervisor
Example Log: Helped organize the donation room today and sorted clothing by size. Met some amazing staff members who shared why this work matters. The atmosphere is so supportive. Next week I’m helping with the kids’ activity hour.
Example SMART Goal: I want to become a stronger advocate, and that starts with being a better speaker! For 13 weeks, I’m dedicating an hour each week to writing and practicing speeches about gender equality. My goal is to present at least 3 times to different audiences.
Example Assessor: English teacher, social studies teacher, or debate club advisor
Example Log: Finished my first speech draft about women in STEM careers. Practiced in front of my mirror and timed it at 4 minutes. Still saying “um” too much! Presenting to our equity club next Tuesday.
Example SMART Goal: Self-defense is about confidence and safety. I’m joining a beginner self-defense class at the community center for an hour each week over 13 weeks. I want to learn basic techniques and feel more confident in my ability to protect myself.
Example Assessor: Self-defense instructor, martial arts teacher, or recreation center staff
Example Log: First class today! Learned about awareness and body positioning. The instructor says 90% of self-defense is avoiding dangerous situations in the first place. Practiced a basic wrist release – harder than it looks! Working on stance next week.
(Completed as a team. Participants will work together to plan and complete their journey.)
Example Activity: Support women entrepreneurs! Research and visit women-owned businesses in your community. Interview the owners about their experiences, challenges, and successes. Create promotional materials to help spread the word about their businesses.
Example Team Goal: Our team will visit at least 4 women-owned businesses, conduct interviews, document their stories with photos and notes, and create a social media campaign or poster series highlighting their work.
Example Assessor/Supervisor: Teacher, Award Leader, or community business association coordinator
