Philadelphia, U.S.A. — The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) has been selected to represent the National Girl Scouts organization at the White House on June 20 in a special celebration of Title IX, which, since 1972, has mandated that no individual in the United States shall be excluded from participation in any athletic activity or education program based upon gender.

Seven accomplished Girl Scouts from eastern Pennsylvania, including four Gold Awardees and three Girl Scout Advisers to the Board of Directors, will join CEO Natalye Paquin in participating in the Title IX anniversary celebration 40 years after the legislation was passed. The day’s events will also include a mentorship session, where the young women will have the opportunity to discuss female empowerment and seek leadership advice from trailblazers who pioneered female athletic opportunities. Representing the White House will be Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women & Girls and Tina Tchen, Executive Director of the White House Council on Women & Girls.

“We are honored that our council was selected to represent the Girl Scouts of the USA on this national stage, especially in our 100th year of service to girls across the nation and world,” said Paquin. “Joining me at the White House are girls from a cross section of our council who are all accomplished leaders, athletes and representative of the talented young women who take part in the Girl Scouts. Title IX was game-changing legislation for women and girls. Many girl scouts are athletes.”

Title IX served as a step towards equal rights for women and created a pathway for females to become accepted into athletics on a national scale. In response to greater opportunities to play, the number of high school girls participating in sports has risen tenfold since 1972, while six times as many women compete in college sports today. Despite these advances, obstacles for female athletes remain as girls and women still have fewer opportunities and often endure inferior treatment in areas such as equipment, facilities, coaching, and scheduling. The past, present and future of Title IX will be discussed among all guests in attendance June 20.

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