EdCast Girl Power – Raising Female Activists Lyn Mikel Brown on what adults — parents, educators — can do to lead girls to a more accurate idea of power and activism. Posted June 8, 2017 By Jill Anderson Being empowered is different than projecting an image of empowerment for girls, says Colby College Professor Lyn Mikel Brown, Ed.D.'89, author of Powered by Girl: A Field Guide to Supporting Youth Activists. But to get there may be easier said than done. Girls are inundated with messaging that leads them to believe there is empowerment in looks or in individual accomplishments — and to associate activism with celebrity. There is a danger in that, says Brown."Being powerful is really about engaging with the world and making the world better in some ways," says Brown, which is a difficult thing to do alone. "Activism as social change is about working with other people. It is not glamorous; it is hard work and when it is put out there as individual accomplishment or connected to celebrity, what we lose is the message to girls that they have to connect with people, they have to care about things, they have to be in it for the long haul."So, what can adults — parents, educators — do to lead girls to a more accurate idea of power and activism? According to Brown, it's as simple as listening to their ideas, respecting what they identify as being issues, and encouraging them to notice when the world is unfair."If we want to really have an impact, if we want girls to be in the world, to change the world, then we have to give them the skills and the resources to do that," Brown says.About the Harvard EdCast The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iTunes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber and co-produced by Jill Anderson, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field. EdCast An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles EdCast Ask More of Him Educator and activist Jackson Katz, Ed.M.'92, discusses the significant role men play in preventing gender violence and creating more gender equality, in light of movements like #MeToo. EdCast HBCUs, Higher Ed, and Democracy’s Future How HBCUs represent a model of higher education desperately needed to save the future of democracy EdCast How to Support Your Child’s Digital Life The challenges of raising a child in the age of digital media