The Guides Say...

By Deb Baxter
Advocacy is at the heart of Australia's young women. Girl Guides Australia has released the results of their first National Survey of Australian Girl Guides after members asked to be given a voice to raise awareness about issues that are important to girls and young women.

The report gives an insight into the concerns of the next generation of Australian women, detailing the responses of 4,500 girls from 5 to 17 years to the broad questions of which issues Guides care about in the world, in Australia and in their community.

Nationally, the primary concerns for Australian Guides at a global level were Global Warming (16.9%), Environment (15.6%) and Poverty (15.1%) whilst 21.2% of Guides were concerned about Water as the most serious issue facing Australia.

At both the national level and at the local level, Environment (Aust.18.0% and local 12.3%) and Addictions (Aust. 8.7% and local 10.8%) were considered of significant concern. Bullying (8.4%) out ranked Water (7.5%) as a concern to Australian Guides in their local communities.

The older Guides varied from the national averages, recording their primary global concern as Poverty (22.3%) and issues relating to Government and Body Image were also seen as important issues facing Australians today.

The Body Shop is proud to have been associated with Girl Guides Australia for a number of years now, through the cork recycling program. This program enables even the youngest girls to advocate by doing something practical to make a difference and educate their peers and community.