Background

A critical problem that impedes the personal and academic development of young girls is the lack of supportive networks capable of providing impactful emotional backing, academic guidance, and professional advice. In the absence of such networks, the problems faced by young girls from vulnerable communities become worse off, given how the prevalence of social stigma and cultural pressures, coupled with limited opportunities for growth and success, often result in girls struggling with low self-esteem and loneliness. As such, they are coerced into abandoning their aspirations for academic and professional success.

In this light, supportive networks emerge as a crucial enabling mechanism for young girls, who are subjected to diverse forms of socioeconomic deprivations, by helping them hone their skills and achieve their goals. In fact, the importance of mentoring in developing talent can be understood from how 100% of U.S. Fortune 50 companies, and 96% of U.S. Fortune 100 companies have mentoring programs, according to a Forbes report. Another study by Women Ahead reported that 87% of mentors and mentees involved experience a sense of empowerment and develop greater confidence through their mentoring relationships.

Thus, it is essential for us to plug these extant gaps in the social landscape and provide multi-layered support to young girls to help them thrive. The Friend Circle, then, aims to build the self-esteem of girls and young women through developing an uplifting ecosystem, endowed with the requisite resources, to empower them and help them realize their full potential.