About Girls Empowerment Network
Originally called The Ophelia Project, GENaustin (the Girls Empowerment Network) was created in 1996 by 12 concerned mothers raising adolescent girls in Austin, Texas. These mothers met after reading Reviving Ophelia, a book by Dr. Mary Pipher, to address an increasing trend among middle school aged girls - a systematic decline and sometimes permanent loss of self-esteem, the outcome of which can be devastating: epidemic levels of anorexia/bulimia, selfmutilation, depression, low academic achievement, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse.
Our Mission
GEN's mission is to foster healthy self-esteem in girls by engaging them to explore and define their personal values and to build skills that empower them with confidence and courage to make wise choices.
Our Values
GENaustin girls will
Identify important values in their lives and make decisions that are right for them
Support and feel connected to other girls
Value and take care of their bodies
Think critically about the media and the messages it sends to girls
Believe in themselves
Have a voice and be advocates for self and others
Ask for help when they need it
Have skills to communicate productively
GENaustin girls are
Confident
Leaders
Allies to other girls
Comfortable with who they are
Successful
Healthy
Non-judgmental
Annual Report
Download the GENaustin 2008-2009 Annual Report (.PDF 11.5 MB)
Originally called The Ophelia Project, GENaustin (the Girls Empowerment Network) was created in 1996 by 12 concerned mothers raising adolescent girls in Austin, Texas. These mothers met after reading Reviving Ophelia, a book by Dr. Mary Pipher, to address an increasing trend among middle school aged girls - a systematic decline and sometimes permanent loss of self-esteem, the outcome of which can be devastating: epidemic levels of anorexia/bulimia, selfmutilation, depression, low academic achievement, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse.
Our Mission
GEN's mission is to foster healthy self-esteem in girls by engaging them to explore and define their personal values and to build skills that empower them with confidence and courage to make wise choices.
Our Values
GENaustin girls will
Identify important values in their lives and make decisions that are right for them
Support and feel connected to other girls
Value and take care of their bodies
Think critically about the media and the messages it sends to girls
Believe in themselves
Have a voice and be advocates for self and others
Ask for help when they need it
Have skills to communicate productively
GENaustin girls are
Confident
Leaders
Allies to other girls
Comfortable with who they are
Successful
Healthy
Non-judgmental
Annual Report
Download the GENaustin 2008-2009 Annual Report (.PDF 11.5 MB)