About Us
Girls of Impact is a community for ambitous and impactful young women
who desire to succeed in education, career and entrepreneurship.
Girls of Impact Trinidad and Tobago was founded with a mission to build a supportive community where young women can access the resources they need to excel in education, career, and entrepreneurship, all while making a lasting social impact. Our diverse range of programmes, projects, and workshops are specifically designed to inspire entrepreneurial innovation, foster professional development, and instill the values of self-love, self-worth, and personal value.
At Girls of Impact, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of female leaders and changemakers. Through our initiatives, we aim to equip young women with the skills and knowledge to improve their local communities and make a global impact. We place a strong emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Gender Equality, to guide our efforts and inspire our members.
Our offerings include:
- Mentorship Programmes: Connecting young women with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and inspiration.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Encouraging active community involvement and the development of civic responsibility.
- Personal Development Workshops: Focusing on leadership skills, self-awareness, and personal growth to help members reach their full potential.
We are committed to shaping confident, capable, and socially conscious women who are prepared to lead and innovate.
Mission
To empower young women and girls to contribute meaningfully to society through mentorship, leadership training and volunteerism.
Vision
A progressive society where gender equality is prioritized through advocacy for economic autonomy, equitable access to essential services and full participation of women in society.
Our Focus Areas
Mentorship
Leadership Training
Volunteerism
Objectives
Empowerment Through Mentorship: Empower young women and girls to pursue educational, professional, and entrepreneurial paths through personalized mentorship programmes, providing guidance, support, and resources tailored to their individual goals and aspirations.
Leadership Development and Advocacy: Equip young women and girls with essential leadership skills and knowledge, fostering their ability to lead with confidence and integrity. Additionally, raise awareness within society about the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes, encouraging inclusivity and gender equality.
Building Advocacy and Confidence: Cultivate a sense of confidence and agency among young women and girls, empowering them to become vocal advocates for societal issues that matter to them. By nurturing their voices and amplifying their concerns, we strive to create positive change and foster a culture of activism and social responsibility.
Holistic Personal Development: Foster a supportive community where young women and girls can explore holistic personal development, including self-improvement, financial literacy, and overall well-being. By promoting self-awareness and resilience, we aim to empower them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.
The Problem
Girls of Impact Trinidad and Tobago was established to address the myriad challenges confronting young women in our society. The data paints a stark picture:
Underrepresentation in Leadership: Despite progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership, with only 26.2% of parliamentary seats held by women as of February 2021. (UN Women). This imbalance undermines the diversity and inclusivity necessary for effective governance and decision-making.
Gender Disparities in Employment: Women continue to face unequal opportunities in the workforce, as evidenced by a female unemployment rate of 4.3% in 2023, compared to 3% for men (World Bank). Additionally, the persistent gender pay gap, ranging from 9% to 35% (ILO), highlights systemic inequalities that hinder women’s economic empowerment and financial independence.
Gender-Based Violence: The prevalence of gender-based violence remains a pressing concern, with a 140% increase in cases of abuse of women and girls reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in 2020, compared with the same period the previous year (PAHO). This epidemic not only threatens the safety and well-being of women but also perpetuates cycles of trauma and inequality.
Teenage Pregnancy Rates: Trinidad and Tobago grapples with alarmingly high rates of teenage pregnancies, with 3,777 reported cases between 2014 and 2018. These pregnancies often derail educational and career aspirations, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited opportunities for young women.
Our Solution
At Girls of Impact Trinidad and Tobago, we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions to address the challenges facing young women in our community. Our solutions include:
Mentorship and Guidance: We offer personalized mentorship programmes to provide guidance and support tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of our members.
Leadership Development: Our leadership training initiatives equip young women with essential leadership skills, empowering them to take on leadership roles within their communities and beyond.
Skill-Building Workshops: We conduct workshops and training sessions focused on enhancing employability skills, such as public speaking, advocacy, policy development, and personal development.
Career Readiness Support: We offer guidance and resources to support our members in key areas of career readiness, including assistance with higher education applications, CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation.
Entrepreneurship Education: Through our business startup initiatives, we provide aspiring young entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to turn their business ideas into reality.
Financial Literacy: We prioritize financial literacy education to empower our members to make informed decisions about their finances and secure their financial futures.
"I wanted to create an environment where young women can access training and resources to achieve economic autonomy, develop into integrous leaders all while creating lasting impact."
Reneé Atwell, Founder & Executive Director
