Feminist perspectives and critical analysis

The girls’ programs found in the scan have been developed to foster the strengths, abilities and health of girls. Few, however, promote an expressed feminist perspective or purport to use an analysis of gender, race, class and sexuality in their implementation. Again, those programs mentioned in this scan that are explicitly working for social change are exceptions. The degree to which a critical analysis of equity issues is used in the design of other programs and with the girls themselves varies from program to program. For some, the lack of articulation of this approach may simply be a strategy to fend off negative forces in their communities, and avoid backlash. As it is, advocates commented that they must continue to be creative and vigilant in making the case for girl-specific programs, to address the many arguments of those who feel there is no need (“why girls?”) and to address exclusivity (“what about boys?”). It is interesting to note that the representative of Girls Inc. responsible for Canadian programming has found more receptivity to girl-centred programs in Canada among audiences they address than with similar audiences in the US.