Even today, stereotypes strongly influence career paths. Girls are more often directed towards jobs related to care, education, or personal services, while future-oriented sectors like tech, digital, engineering, or construction remain largely male-dominated. Among the 82 job families identified by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), women are in the majority in only 12 of them.
To combat this self-censorship and broaden the range of possibilities, Capital Filles works directly in high schools. The organization organizes workshops that help young girls become aware of stereotypes, better identify their skills, and envision careers they may not have considered.
The second pillar of the program is based on mentoring. Each girl supported can be connected with a professional mentor from a partner company or the independent sector. This relationship allows for discussions about career choices, discovering new professions, and, most importantly, building confidence.
« What we try to do is show them what they don’t know. A girl who discovers careers in cybersecurity, engineering, or digital can then consider a path she never imagined », emphasizes Laurence Beldowski.
The impact of the program is reflected in the trajectories of the participants. Indeed, 93 % of the mentees continue their higher education, and the organization observes an increase in their ambitions regarding career choices.
Beyond individual paths, Capital Filles also supports companies in their diversity and inclusion challenges.
« These girls, who come from rather popular backgrounds, especially in rural areas, will also aim for careers with responsibilities, and it’s also about telling them that they are the value of tomorrow’s society », concludes Laurence Beldowski.
