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About 500 girls in secondary school attended the yearly Inspiring Girls Hong Kong Career Fair earlier this month. The event helped them explore different jobs.
Inspiring Girls Hong Kong organised the fair, which was supported by 10 corporate partners. Professionals shared their knowledge and advice with students.
The goal was to reduce gender gaps in careers such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“We believe every girl should have the confidence, knowledge and inspiration to pursue their dream career,” Ines Gafsi said. She is the founder of the charity, Inspiring Girls Hong Kong.
The one-day fair helped attendees learn about themselves and plan for the future. Activities included career booths and resilience workshops. There was also a Human Library, where girls heard from role models with diverse backgrounds.
A feature of the day was a career-themed scavenger hunt. In this game, students found their strengths and explored different work environments.
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From confusion to confidence
For 17-year-old Mary Tsang Hoi-kiu, the event changed her mindset. Before the fair, she had not planned her career goals.
“I just [knew] ... that I prefer literary and artistic work, so I [was] full of doubts and anxiety,” Mary said. She attends St Teresa Secondary School.
Speaking with professionals from UBS Art at the fair helped Mary realise her interest in art curation.
“[They] introduced me to the details of the industry, salary, resources or work procedures. This made me realise that’s what I want to do,” she said. This also led her to other questions about this career.
“I am curious about how curators connect the exhibition organisers and exhibitors and how to coordinate the development of the entire event.”
Hearing from role models made Mary feel more confident about what she wants to pursue.
“I no longer feel confused about the future. But I believe that with my passion and hard work, I will be able to move towards the direction I want,” she said. “I will no longer feel confused about choosing the subjects to study in college.”
Mary offered advice to other girls feeling lost about the future.
“Engage in more conversations, not just with peers, but also with those who are older and more experienced,” the teen said. “Ask questions. Learn from their approaches and ideas. And never let shyness stop you from seeking guidance.”
Role models
Inspiring Girls Hong Kong empowers young women to be leaders in male-dominated industries.
Kashish Sakhrani shared her knowledge at the event. She is a media and communications manager at Deloitte. She stressed the importance of addressing gender bias early.
“We actively engage students in conversations about how unconscious bias can influence aspirations. Our goal is to empower them to break down those barriers,” Sakhrani said.
Asheefa Sarangi from In Toto Consulting was another professional at the event. She wished she had this experience when she was younger.
“It’s hugely empowering,” Sarangi said.
“I really enjoyed watching the girls’ eyes light up during the financial literacy module as they experienced first-hand how informed decisions can lead to ... a secure financial future.”
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