2020 Constantine-Yorkville Virtual Run
2020 Constantine-Yorkville
Virtual Run
September 19th, 2020 (or 26th if raining)
News

Connect, Empower and Inspire Early to Overcome Gender Barriers: How Mentorship of High School Girls Supports #BalanceForBetter

Written By
Admin
January 16, 2023

Today is International Women’s Day: a day to celebrate women’s progress and accomplishments while also acknowledging that gender inequality still exists. This year’s theme, #BalanceForBetter, is focused on changing the way we see gender represented in our communities, on our televisions, in our boardrooms, in our classrooms and in our world as a whole.

I believe each person has a role and responsibility to do what we can to ensure the next generation of girls live in a world where gender inequality is no longer an issue. Girls E-Mentorship (GEM), strongly believes in #BalanceForBetter, and is closing the gender gap through the power of female mentorship.

I started GEM because I saw an opportunity to strengthen the resolve of young girls whose career aspirations seem unachievable because of the barriers they face. As a young woman, I lacked female mentors who could provide me with the support and guidance I felt I needed as I began my career.

Mentorship—specifically women mentoring other women—is important in our ability to achieve gender equality in all aspects of our society.  Mentorship can come in many forms, and ultimately gives young girls a platform to reach their goals and aspirations. At GEM, we are fostering mentorship relationships to empower young girls to pursue their goals, give them tools to succeed, and encourage them to share their voice.

Exposure to female role-models in male-dominated industries

GEM is encouraging female representation in male-dominated industries by exposing young girls to the possibilities that await them in all industries, regardless of gender. Making the connection between their aspirations, and the women who are currently achieving them, gives them the assurance that anything they aspire to do is possible.

Being connected to a network of inspiring and talented women

Lacking female mentorship in my own life made me want to create a community of strong women supporting other women. At GEM, professional women from a variety of different industries are matched with high school girls, so that they receive the support and guidance that will give them the confidence to advocate for themselves and their dreams. Whether it be skill building, career guidance, or post-secondary advice, having a mentor can help girls on their trajectories overcome barriers that stand in their way.

Providing girls with opportunities they may not have access to

A common problem many young girls face, especially girls in the GEM program, is lack of opportunity. Although they have the motivation, drive and enthusiasm to take control of their future, not having equal access to opportunity can significantly inhibit and impede a girls success. In collaboration with our community and corporate partners, we provide girls with opportunities to experience real-life work settings through workshops, panel sessions and job shadow days.

Standing by our commitment to #BalanceForBetter is something we must do both today, and everyday. It is our responsibility to support the next generation of girls so that they can end the cycle of inequality, ensuring gender balance in our communities is the norm and not just an idea.

Support #TeamGEM at this year’s Yorkville Virtual Run!

This year, the Yorkville Run will be held virtually from September 13th to September 27th, 2020. Below are the different ways you can participate and support us this year.

1) REGISTER TO Run or Walk with #TEAMGEM

Together, from the safety and comfort of our own neighbourhoods (or anywhere you choose, as long as it abides social distancing rules) we will be RUNNING or WALKING for #TeamGEM on September 19th, 2020 (or on September 26th if it’s raining).

Click here to register

All registered participants will receive a Premium Race Kit and customized Starter's Medal.

To prove your participation, you must do one of the following:

  • Record your run by using our custom Starter's Medal and/or a GPS App such as STRAVA, ASICS RUN KEEPER, or NIKE PLUS and submit your time and a photo of your time to your Race Roster profile.
  • Post a selfie/run photo or video taken during or after your run on Facebook or Instagram and follow @YorkvilleRun and tag ​#TeamGEM, #YorkvilleRun, and #Constantine5K. There are several partner prizes to be won!
2) SPONSOR A GEMGIRL TO PARTICIPATE

We have a roster of GEMgirls who would like to run for #TeamGEM. Donate now to help them register!

SPONSOR A GEMGIRL
3) Donate to a #teamGEM runner

If you can't make it, you can also support a #TEAMGEM runner.

SPONSOR A RUNNER
Dates to Remember
Tuesday, September 8th
to Saturday, September 12th, 2020
Race Kit Pick-up. Participants will be notified via email where in Yorkville you can pick up your race kit.
Sunday, September 13th, 2020
at 9:00 AM
Virtual Event Kick-Off. Join the Constantine Yorkville Run’s Virtual Event Kick-Off by tuning into Facebook & Instagram Live.
Saturday, September 19th, 2020
Run or walk anytime, anywhere for #TeamGEM!
Saturday, September 26th, 2020
#TeamGEM's back up day should weather prevent the run on the 19th.
Saturday, September 26th, 2020
at 5:00 PM
Winners of the Constantine-Yorkville Run’s fundraising prizes will be determined.
Sunday, September 27th, 2020
at 9:00 AM
Join the Constantine-Yorkville Run’s Virtual Event Closing Ceremony by tuning into Facebook & Instagram Live. Hear from our partners and share in the run's exciting fundraising achievement! Fundraising prizes will also be rewarded.

Your support at the Constantine-Yorkville Run this year will raise awareness and funds for the GEM program, which directly impacts young women in our communities and gives them the skills and tools they need to succeed.

Thank you for supporting mentorship!

Questions? Contact us at info@girlsementorship.com

Downloads

Share your participation and support on social media! You can retweet/share GEM’s run postings or use our branded material for the run.

Download Materials
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