As a tech enthusiast and an entrepreneur I'm passionate about gender equality and I couldn't help but think of the "pink ghetto" when I saw several Girl Scout troops selling their cookies on the streets, shouting and waving to passerby in the cold.
For those who don't know, the pink ghetto refers to professions or industries that are dominated by women and tend to pay less than their male-dominated counterparts. Hello, pastry and dessert industry! But it's not just about the pay gap – the pink ghetto is also about the limited opportunities and the lack of respect and recognition that women face in these fields. To learn more about the pink ghetto, check out my previous article: The Pink Ghetto.
Seeing these young girls set-up foldable tables, spend countless hours in the elements and hustling to sell their cookies, I began to wonder why this process hasn't evolved into the 21st century? Not only is it an extremely outdated practice, but it also further engrains the concept of the pink ghetto in our society. Don't get me wrong, I love a good Thin Mint as much as the next person, but when I saw those young girls on the streets it made me question the message we're sending these girls.
So, how can we change the game for the Girl Scouts and empower them to become entrepreneurs instead of street peddlers? By introducing them to tech at an early age and providing them with the skills and tools to create their own e-commerce sites.
Imagine if every Girl Scout had her own dedicated website that she coded and managed herself, with her name and branding. She could take orders online, process payments, and even track inventory and shipping. Not only would this allow her to sell more cookies, but it would also teach her valuable tech and business skills that she can use in the future.
They can use existing resources like Code.org and Girls Who Code to introduce young girls to coding and web development. They can also partner with e-commerce platforms like Shopify to provide them with the tools to create and manage their own online stores.
I's not just about the tech skills – it's about empowering girls to break out of the pink ghetto and pursue their dreams, whether it's in tech, business, or any other field they choose. By giving them the resources and support they need, we can help them become the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
So, the next time you reach for a box of Samoas, remember that you're supporting a new generation of female leaders who are breaking down barriers and changing the game. Now, imagine how much more empowering it would be if you ordered your Girl Scout cookies directly from an e-commerce site built, managed and owned by one those badass young Girl Scouts? I'm all for it! How about you?
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