13 Ways Female Leadership at RYTC and ESB Inspires the Next Generation of Girls
- Brainz Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Written by Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen champions the arts as a tool for change. Now, as CEO of RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, she mentors young people, creates pathways for them to thrive in the arts, and helps launch successful careers.
Happy International Women’s Day! Today is a special day to celebrate the women around us: women who lead, create, and inspire; women who shape our future. At RYTC and ESB, we take this moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible power of women. You matter, now and always. Let this day remind you that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
At RYTC and ESB, female leadership plays a huge role in everything we do. Our founder, Helen Kenworthy, alongside an amazing team of women, is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of girls. We are passionate about showing young girls that they have the power to lead, create, and make a difference.
In this article, we share how female leadership at RYTC and ESB is helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow. We want to encourage young girls to believe in themselves and know that anything is possible.
Why female role models matter
Positive female role models are incredibly important for young girls. When girls see women leading, achieving, and making a difference, they believe they can do the same. It’s not just about what women achieve, it’s about showing young girls that they, too, can lead and succeed.
Research shows that girls with female role models are more likely to dream big and pursue their goals. At RYTC and ESB, girls learn from women who are not only passionate about their craft but who are also strong, confident leaders. These role models show girls what is possible, and they make them feel empowered to achieve their dreams.
Having women to look up to gives girls the confidence to step forward, try new things, and take on challenges with courage. Female leadership helps them see that they can rise to any challenge, whether it's in their education, careers, or personal lives.
Leadership with heart: A story of inspiration
Helen Kenworthy’s journey to becoming the founder of RYTC and ESB is one of passion, dedication, and a desire to make a difference. Her leadership is all about empowering young girls to find their voices, embrace their creativity, and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Helen didn’t start as a leader; she grew into one, step by step, through hard work and a commitment to helping others. She believes in the potential of every young person, and especially in the potential of young girls. Through her leadership, Helen has shown that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about inspiring others to be their best selves.
Her journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one of perseverance. She’s faced challenges and setbacks, but she’s used them as opportunities to grow. By pushing through difficulties, Helen has taught us all that leadership is about staying true to your mission and not giving up.
Helen’s leadership style is all about empathy and vision. She believes in nurturing the unique talents of each young person, helping them build confidence, and encouraging them to take on challenges. She shows young girls that with dedication and a willingness to learn, they can become leaders in their own right.
The challenges women in leadership face
Being a female leader is not always easy. Women in leadership often face challenges that men do not. These can include gender bias, juggling multiple responsibilities, and breaking through traditional barriers. But at RYTC and ESB, we rise to these challenges, proving that women can lead with strength and purpose.
One of the biggest challenges women in leadership face is gender bias. Even today, women often have to work harder to prove their abilities. At RYTC and ESB, we are changing that. We want to create an environment where women are celebrated for their leadership and not questioned for it.
Women also often face the challenge of balancing their personal and professional lives. Many female leaders juggle family responsibilities alongside their careers. Helen and her team show that it’s possible to manage both, teaching us that true leadership is about balance and support.
Despite these challenges, our female leaders continue to thrive. They continue to inspire young girls, teaching them that they can overcome any obstacle and reach their goals.
How we can support and encourage the next generation of female leaders
Empowering the next generation of female leaders is something we can all contribute to. Here are a few ways you can help inspire the girls around you to take on leadership roles:
1. Be a mentor
Share your experiences and advice with young girls. Offer them guidance when they need it, and listen to their concerns. Being a mentor doesn’t require a formal role; it’s about being there for them when they need help.
2. Create opportunities
Help girls access new opportunities. Introduce them to new people, help them find work experience, and support them in pursuing their interests. Opening doors for them can change the course of their future.
3. Encourage leadership
Give girls the chance to take on leadership roles. Whether it’s leading a project or speaking up in class, help them develop the skills they need to lead with confidence. Leadership is about taking initiative and making decisions, and girls need to know they’re capable.
4. Challenge gender stereotypes
Encourage girls to pursue whatever they are passionate about, without worrying about whether it’s traditionally seen as “for boys” or “for girls.” Show them that their interests are valid, no matter what society might expect.
5. Be a role model
Lead by example. Show girls how to be kind, strong, and confident. When they see women in leadership positions, they start to believe they can achieve the same things.
6. Celebrate their achievements
Take the time to celebrate the successes of young girls, big and small. Recognition helps build self-esteem and motivates them to keep going. Every achievement deserves to be acknowledged.
7. Build a supportive community
Create spaces where girls can come together, support each other, and share their experiences. A strong community helps them feel empowered and ready to take on the world.
8. Encourage risk-taking
Teach girls that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes. Failure is part of the learning process, and every risk is an opportunity for growth. Help them understand that risks lead to rewards, and confidence comes from trying new things.
Every small action counts. We all play a part in encouraging the next generation of female leaders, and together, we can create a world where girls have the confidence to rise, lead, and succeed.
13 ways female leadership at RYTC and ESB inspires the next generation of girls
Here are some of the ways female leadership is shaping the future of young girls at RYTC and ESB:
1. Providing a safe and inclusive space
We create an environment where girls feel comfortable expressing themselves. Whether through drama, art, or workshops, they are encouraged to be their true selves.
2. Building confidence and self-worth
We help girls realize their worth and believe in their abilities. When they feel good about themselves, they’re more likely to take on leadership roles.
3. Encouraging decision-making skills
Girls learn how to make decisions, lead projects, and take charge. These skills will serve them throughout their lives.
4. Offering mentorship and support
We provide guidance, advice, and a listening ear. Female mentors help girls navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
5. Breaking down stereotypes
We encourage girls to pursue whatever they’re passionate about, no matter what society may say. We show them that they are not limited by stereotypes.
6. Teaching the power of collaboration
Leadership isn’t about doing everything alone. We teach girls to work together, share ideas, and build each other up.
7. Providing real opportunities
We give girls access to real-world experiences that help them build skills and prepare for the future. These opportunities help them see what’s possible.
8. Teaching resilience and perseverance
We show girls how to bounce back from setbacks and keep going. Leadership is about persistence, and we help girls develop this important quality.
9. Sparking creativity and innovation
Through the arts, we encourage girls to think creatively and come up with new ideas. Creativity is a powerful tool for leadership.
10. Encouraging risk-taking
We encourage girls to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and try new things. This is how they grow and build confidence.
11,. Celebrating individuality
We show girls that leadership is about embracing who they are. We help them see that their unique qualities are what make them strong.
12. Focusing on wellbeing
We teach girls the importance of balancing work, life, and self-care. Leaders take care of themselves so they can take care of others.
13. Promoting lifelong learning
We inspire girls to never stop learning and growing. Leadership is a continuous journey, and we encourage them to keep improving and striving for more.
What’s next for us at RYTC/ESB?
Our mission is clear: we want to empower the next generation of female leaders. At RYTC and ESB, we will continue to build a world where young girls are encouraged to dream big, lead with confidence, and make their mark on the world. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and excited for what lies ahead.
We believe that empowering girls today will create the strong female leaders of tomorrow. With dedication, creativity, and support, we can shape a brighter future, one girl at a time.
One way we support young learners, especially girls is by providing them with the tools and confidence to explore new ideas, develop their skills, and embrace learning. That’s where The Learning Genie Club comes in. This engaging platform nurtures curiosity and creativity, helping children build a strong foundation for success.
Our Creative Writing & Drama Programmes are led by experienced women creatives who serve as role models. They create safe, expressive spaces for girls to build confidence and explore storytelling as a leadership and advocacy tool.
Ready to empower the girls in your life?
Explore how RYTC’s creative writing and drama programmes, our online and face-to-face classes, and Education Selection Box’s Learning Genie Club can help girls grow into bold, confident, and creative leaders. Let’s continue to inspire and uplift the leaders of tomorrow!
Lastly, discover how mental health advocacy can empower girls and young people through our programmes and blogs. We share valuable resources and insights to promote positive well-being. For example, our article Power of 'Yet' in Education explores how adopting a growth mindset helps students build resilience and confidence.
Whether it's storytelling, mentorship, or mindset growth, these initiatives continue to prove that female-led spaces help spark the leaders of tomorrow.
Let’s keep lifting as we lead!
Read more on our website and join us in championing mental health as a tool for empowerment!
Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen Kenworthy’s career embodies the transformative power of the arts, from her early roles in the prestigious West End with Bill Kenwright to her impactful work in regional theatre. As manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership, she created pathways for young people to thrive in the arts, with many going on to successful careers. Now at RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, Helen continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre-makers and community leaders, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and professional development.
