Girls State - Empowering Young Women Through Mock Government.
Girls State is a captivating documentary exploring mock government at Missouri Girls State. Directed by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, this film challenges social norms and showcases the courage and conviction of its participants.
By Ava McGinty
Girls State - A Documentary.
Girls State, a feature documentary film directed by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, follows Missouri Girls State, a week-long program inviting teenagers to learn about democracy by building a government from the ground up.
Sources: The Wrap & Girls State Apple TV+
The Invisible Journalist?
Combating Social Norms
One of the girls within the program believes women are typically socialized to avoid talking politics; making programs like Girls State a refreshing opportunity to combat this social norm. Excited participants became disappointed within the first days as few conversations revolved around political topics.
Source: NPR
Women Lead Mock Courts.
When it came to light that Roe V. Wade could be overturned though, many conversations at Girls State shifted to revolve around the topic of abortion, opening the door to an engaging mock Supreme Court case regarding privacy.
Learning from Peers.
No matter the experiences young women have faced before participating in Girls State, the experience allowed young women to learn from each other, especially those with differing political views.
Source: NPR
Educational Program or Summer Camp?
Emily Worthmore, a participant in Girls State, discovered disparities between the parallel Boys State programs. The Boys State program had more funding and more productive work compared to the girl’s program. Begging the question: was this truly an educational program about democracy or a summer camp? Counselors discouraged the girls from comparing the two programs, a topic further explored in the film.
Sources: Girls State Apple TV+ & Missouri Girls State
Encouraging the Future of Girls.
Acknowledging the shortcomings of this inaugural program, Girls State created an environment of supportive young women helping to boost individual confidence by asking participants to step out of their comfort zone.
This is something girls need to be encouraged to do, particularly in politics.
Source: Girls State Apple TV+
“Following a distinctly female perspective and filled with teenage insecurity, biting humor and a yearning for true friendship, the young leaders of “Girls State” win hearts and minds—not just elections.”
– “Girls State” Film Synopsis
Stay Informed with our Newsletter.
Receive exclusive invitations to our programs; free films to watch from free film collection Voices For Change; news about gender equality around the world; and access to our partners’ programs.
