Girlguiding has been around since a group of girls protested at a scout rally. Now the organisation has spread across the world, empowering girls and young women and helping them reach their goals. Although it has changed since then, it’s purpose is still the same and Guide leaders like local guide leader Nicola Mullin are crucial in providing this girl-only safe space and in her own words, girl guiding is through her ‘like a stick of rock.’
Girlguiding has been a part of Nicky’s life family life with her grandma and mum both being guide leaders and Nicky herself joined the guides aged seven. Nicky explained how she has always loved music and singing around the campfire, and she was even selected to sing at the Royal Albert Hall for the 75th anniversary of girl guiding. She then became a guide leader and has travelled the world on international trips and has earned a Queen’s guide award.
A lot has changed from when Nicky first joined guides. Girlguiding has adapted itself to the changing times; the uniform has been modernised, a lot has moved online, and the promise is no longer made to God which has helped keep it up to date and accessible. Nicky expressed how she believes ‘girls can do whatever they want’ and despite the leaps society has made towards gender equality, it still isn’t there yet and Nicky thinks it is important that girls have an environment where they can open their eyes and overcome challenges, without out the extra difficulties.
Nicky’s hopes for the future include going back to Gambia and attending an international camp in the UK so the guides can meet new friends and learn about other cultures and religions. To conclude, the positive impact that girl guiding has on girls and young women is clear, helping girls develop new skills, meet new friends, and learn more about the world around them. It really is the embodiment of girl power!
