History
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) traces its roots to the early 20thcentury Girl Guiding movement founded by Robert BadenPowell and his sister, Agnes BadenPowell. In 1910, the first Girl Guide companies were formed in the United Kingdom. The international idea blossomed quickly: in 1918, the first World Conference of Girl Guides was held in Manchester, England, and a permanent International Council was created.
In 1928 the council was renamed the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, reflecting the growth of independent Girl Scout organisations in North America. Over the next decades WAGGGS expanded to include members from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, becoming the largest international organization dedicated exclusively to girls and young women.
Mission & Vision
WAGGGS mission is to Enable girls and young women to develop the skills they need to become responsible leaders of themselves, their families, and communities. The Vision statement emphasizes a world where every girl and young woman can reach her full potential, regardless of where she lives.
When girls are empowered, entire societies prosper. WAGGGS Motto
Key pillars of the mission include:
- Leadership development
- Education for Sustainable Development
- Advocacy for gender equality
- Civic participation and community service
Organizational Structure
WAGGGS is a federation of more than 150 national member organisations, representing over ten million girls and young women. The structure consists of three main bodies:
World Conference
Held every three years, it is the highest decisionmaking forum where delegates set policy, elect the World Board, and approve the strategic plan.
World Board
The Board is a 17member elected body responsible for governance, financial oversight, and ensuring the implementation of conference resolutions.
World Bureau
Based in London, the World Bureau supports the member organisations with programs, training, research, and communication.
Core Programs
WAGGGS delivers a wide range of programs that adapt to local contexts while maintaining global standards.
Leadership & Skills
Activities such as the Peer Mentoring and Young Leaders workshops teach public speaking, project planning, and conflict resolution.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Guides and Scouts collaborate on climateaction projects, community gardens, and waterconservation campaigns, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Advocacy & Campaigns
Each member organization participates in global campaigns like #EndViolenceAgainstWomen and #GirlsEducation, mobilising millions of voices.
International Events
Every three years the World Conference is complemented by the World Thinking Day celebration on February22, where members worldwide share stories and raise funds for projects.
Global Impact
Through its programmes, WAGGGS has made measurable contributions to the lives of girls worldwide:
- Education: Over 2million girls have accessed formal or nonformal education through WAGGGSsupported projects.
- Health: Campaigns on menstrual hygiene have distributed more than 5million reusable kits in lowresource settings.
- Leadership: Alumni of WAGGGS programmes hold a growing share of seats in national parliaments and corporate boards.
- Peacebuilding: In regions affected by conflict, Girl Guiding groups have facilitated dialogue between youth from opposing sides, reducing local tensions.
Research partners, including UNICEF and UN Women, frequently cite WAGGGS as a model for genderresponsive community development.
How to Join
Joining WAGGGS starts with becoming a member of a national Girl Guides or Girl Scouts organization. Steps typically include:
- Locate the nearest local unit through the national website or contact the national office.
- Attend an introductory meeting or open day.
- Complete the membership form and pay any applicable dues.
- Participate in training sessions for leaders and volunteers.
For those interested in supporting the movement without becoming a Guide or Scout, WAGGGS offers a range of volunteer and donor opportunities at both the national and international level.
Explore more at the official site: www.wagggs.org.
