About Girls Empowerment Network

Originally called The Ophelia Project, the Girls Empowerment Network (GEN) 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, self-mutilation, depression, low academic achievement, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse.

Our Vision

We envision a world where all
girls believe in their power.

Our Mission

We ignite the power in girls by teaching them the skills to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable.

The GEN way

This is how we live every day to support our mission and vision. This is what it means to be part of the GEN team.

spark

Be the Spark

We lead with infectious passion
We role model the 6 C’s

shout

Shout Out

We lift each other up
We listen to every voice

bell

Ring the Bell

We prove our impact
We celebrate girlhood