From March 1 to 31, the Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW), Montgomery County Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries are holding a competition to celebrate Women’s History Month. Girls and women from the age of 5 to adulthood will be able to submit short stories, essays, drawings, poems and other creative works into the eighth annual Girl Power Contest for a chance to be highlighted for their contributions.
This year’s contest is based around the role of the media in shaping women’s self-image and how it can do better to support women. Contest entries are meant to be in response to the following question: “The media we consume plays a powerful role in shaping confidence, ambition and self-worth, especially for young girls and women, by providing representation, positive role models and stories that challenge stereotypes. What kind of media (TV shows, social media content, YouTube series, movies, books) would you create to inspire, uplift and empower girls and women in the community?”
While the contest focuses on women, anyone can enter as long as they are above the age of 5 and are a Montgomery County resident. Winners will be selected in four divisions — elementary, middle, high school and adult — and will be invited to a recognition ceremony, highlighted on CFW’s social media and receive a special certificate and “swag bag” for their contributions.
“Media shapes the way we see the world—and how we see ourselves,” says Arlinda Clark, chair of the CFW. “It has the power to uplift and empower women and girls, but it can also be used to reinforce harmful stereotypes and tear them down. This year’s Girl Power Contest prompt was chosen to inspire participants of all ages to reimagine media as a force for good—one that provides diverse representation, positive role models, and stories that reflect the strength, ambition and limitless potential of women and girls.”
Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31, with winners announced in early May after a judging period. Prospective entrants should note that all submissions will become property of CFW and may be used for publicity.
For more information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw
