Girls’ Brigade is a Christian organisation that empowers girls and young women in local communities to be themselves and develop their gifts and skills. Established globally for 130 years, Girls’ Brigade will celebrate 100 years in Australia in 2027.
The group works in 50 countries to help girls learn about God’s love and get involved in helping others. Caitlyn Robinson, who represents Girls Brigade, recently spoke at a United Nations event for women, sharing how the group supports personal growth and deals with issues like social media.
‘Our aim is to have girls lives enriched through knowing Christ in an intimate way,’ says Caitlyn. ‘But I think that another really positive thing about Brigades is that we can use those spaces to create a really great connection with our girls. So through our social media, we can show a really positive side of the internet that girls might not be interacting with.’
Girls Brigade meetings are fun and varied, often including games, worship, and leadership activities. Girls aged 3 to 21 can earn badges and awards, including the prestigious Queen’s Award.
Empowering Girls and Young Women
The organisation provides a safe space for girls to talk about important topics like identity and the effects of social media, while also offering mentorship and connection. Caitlyn says that while Australian girls face their own challenges, some girls in other parts of the world confront more serious issues, such as child marriage.
‘The problems vary,’ says Caitlyn, ‘but there is a really strong sense of we’re sisters in Christ. The struggle that we have as separate countries is actually one struggle we share as an international organisation.’
Girls’ Brigade teaches important values like self-control while ensuring that girls have fun and learn new skills. The group encourages young girls to get involved in social justice and leadership while promoting accountability and community involvement.
‘We find that girls are very nervous when they first come,’ says Caitlyn. ‘But by the end of the night, they just won’t stop talking. They’re so excited. They want to show others the craft they’ve made or the skill they’ve learnt.’
Caitlyn suggests attending a meeting to see if it aligns with your family values. Families can discover local Girls’ Brigade groups by visiting their website. Click here for more details, and listen to Caitlyn’s full interview on 20Twenty below:
