ABURY GGU Academy

Problem

Despite the progress made in recent years, gender inequality remains a significant challenge, especially in leadership and employment. Women still make up only 42% of the global workforce, and just 31.7% hold senior leadership positions (Source: Global Gender Gap Report 2024). Although it is well-known that women in leadership roles benefit everyone, including making companies more profitable and improving decision-making processes (Source: United Nations).

The problem doesn’t just lie with employers, but also with society as a whole and young women’s own beliefs about themselves.

Studies show: The teenage years are a crucial phase. Without adequate support and female role models during these formative years, many girls are less likely to pursue leadership roles, limiting their potential.

If we want to build a new generation of female managers, we have to start early.

Our approach

We are proud to support Girls Gearing Up (GGU) – an organization that empowers the next generation of globally minded female leaders. GGU empowers teenage girls with the skills, confidence, strong network and inspiration they need to help shape a more just and sustainable world.

In addition to a one-week summer camp, GGU offers a year-round mentoring program, interactive workshops – both online and on-site – and international networking opportunities.

After two inspiring summers as participants, we decided to officially support GGU at the end of 2024. Together, we want to reach even more girls, move more communities and thus make a decisive contribution to our common goal: to support a total of 50,000 women and girls by 2030.

The Academy – One week full of transformation

Each ABURY Girls Gearing Up Leadership Academy is an immersive, one-week experience designed to unlock the leadership potential of young women from around the world. The program blends inspiring workshops with hands-on challenges, site visits to innovative organizations, and personal 1:1 mentoring sessions with accomplished role models.

In this safe, empowering environment, participants build confidence, develop practical skills, and expand their global networks. By the end of the week, they leave not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose, lifelong connections, and the courage to take the lead in their own communities and beyond.