Are Girls Allowed to Join?
Even after fifty years of girls and women in Scouts, one of the most common questions we get is “can girls join Scouts?” To which we resoundingly reply, “YES!”
In 1973, Scouts Australia included girls and young women aged 15 – 25 as youth members, and by the 1980s, girls were admitted into our younger sections.
Today, Scouts Australia has approximately 38% female membership across all sections and ages, including adults.
Our membership statistics also show an upward trend toward a greater participation rate of girls in Scouting.
We know that research shows that adolescent girls drop out of organised sport and recreation at a rate higher than their male counterparts.
While there are many women who volunteer with Scouts Australia, the gender balance in senior leadership roles – particularly the board – is skewed heavily toward men.
However, Scouts Australia is actively working towards achieving gender parity in all leadership positions, as we believe diversity in leadership contributes to organisational resilience and positively impacts the gender attitudes of children and young people.
You can read more about girls and women in Scouting across Australia here.