Celebrating International Women’s Day, Scouts Scotland is asking all its female youth members and volunteers to share their experience of Scouting to remind people that Scouting is for everyone, regardless of what gender you identify with.
Scouting has been fully inclusive for more than 20 years, and on 1 January 2007 it became compulsory for all Groups to ensure provisions were in place to accept girls into all Sections.
Since then female youth membership has increased year on year, and Scouts Scotland is committed to encouraging more girls to join to benefit from the wide range of experiences and opportunities that Scouting can offer.
Helping girls achieve
Sorcha and Molly, both aged 17, have been involved with scouting for most of their childhoods, and have both been elected to represent Scouts Scotland as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
“Being in the Scouts has ensured that volunteering will always be a part of my life, because it's vital to our organisation. Scouting has impacted me in many ways, and has improved my confidence and skill set,” said Sorcha.
“In the summer of 2015, I attended the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Yamaguchi, Japan. Being selected for this incredible experience is one of my main achievements in Scouting, because I learnt so much about other cultures, other countries and myself. It's definitely something I'll never forget, and I couldn't feel any luckier to have taken part and made so many new friends.”
Molly added:“Scouts has shaped my life in many ways, including influencing my decision on what I want to study at Uni. After becoming one of the first members of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Scouts Scotland, I've set my heart on studying politics and International Relations.”
Changing lives
Women make up nearly 50% of the adult volunteers in Scouting. This ranges from being involved as a Leader or on the Board. With 2400 young people on the waiting list to join Scouts Scotland, recruiting new adult volunteers is crucial.
Anne Whiteford, Development Commissioner for Scouts Scotland, said: “Scouting has offered me great opportunities which have shaped my personal and professional life. Starting out as a Cub Scout Leader in Glasgow was great fun, a huge privilege and the first steps in a change of career.”
“Scouting brings boys and girls, men and women together, where we play our part to help young people and each other to do our best and become the best that we can be. As we celebrate International Women’s Day I would encourage girls and women to join Scouting as I believe that Scouting has the ability to change lives, through broadening our horizons and making us more caring and compassionate people who view life as a challenge and adventure.”
Get involved
Do you have a story to tell as a female volunteer or Scout?
Share your stories, opinions or ideas at our Facebook or Twitter pages using #scouting4all.
Find out how you can join the adventure as a Scout or as a volunteer.