Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Women’s History Month (WHM) is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women in history and contemporary society. Whether it was creating digital campaigns or organizing events, Girl Up leaders did not let WHM pass by without passionately advocating for gender justice. We’ve rounded up a few inspiring activations from Girl Up changemakers & Clubs across the globe.
#WhereAreTheyNowWednesdays
On Wednesdays during the month of March, Girl Up invited alumna to talk about their activism journey with Girl Up, how they’ve grown as changemakers through the years, and share advice for those wanting to begin or continue advocating for the issues they care about. Missed it? All these inspiring TikTok lives are posted on our Youtube!
Girl Up Brazil
Girl Up Brazil’s Advocacy Supervisor, Helena Branco, attended the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at UN headquarters in New York. She drew attention to the absence of youth protagonism, despite CSW existing for 67 years.
“Out of the events that took place, only two were led by young leaders. Unfortunately, the first event was held in a space so small that it couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to attend. As for the second event, it coincided with another important event, resulting in the audience being split.”
Girl Up Brazil also reunited a group of youth leaders to attend the Marielle Franco Festival to honor the life and legacy of Afro-Brazilian activist and councilwoman Marielle Franco.
It was exciting to see youth engaged with the anti-racist fight and screaming for justice.
Gabriela, Girl Up Elza Soares
In collaboration with the online magazine Capricho, Girl Up Brazil posed the question “What do young feminists want?” to girls from various regions of the country. Watch their inspiring responses in Portuguese here!
Finally, recognizing the issues and achievements of young girls, Ben & Jerry’s Brazil amplified Girl Up leaders on their Instagram stories.
Girl Up India
In collaboration with the UN Young Leader of the SDGs Vee Kativhu, Girl Up India organized the Gender Run 2030 and raised funds for 150 individuals to receive menstrual products for one year.
Women’s Web, India’s leading website for women, featured the inspiring stories of several young leaders from Girl Up India who are making a significant impact in advancing gender equality in the country. Read the full article here.
During March, Girl Up India organized two virtual series – Let’s Talk and Let’s Connect. The first series delved into the intersection between gender and various other topics like mental health, disability, and caste through Instagram reels, while Let’s Connect created a secure space, allowing members to engage in thought-provoking discussions on feminism and share their ideas.
Girl Up Latin America held Latimos Juntas, a virtual meeting on March 25th, where young people gathered to share their experiences and discuss challenges related to gender equality.
Girl Up Africa hosted a fireside chat with women leaders from different generations, which explored the past, present, and future of women’s voices.
CLUB ACTIVATIONS
Girl Up Canada partnered with Hershey’s Canada to create limited-edition chocolate bar wrappers that tell the stories of five women as part of their #HerForSHE campaign in celebration of International Women’s Day. Girl Up Quebec leader Kélicia and Girl Up alumna Rita were two of the women featured in recognition of their leadership and advocacy efforts.
Girl Up Rosalind Franklin had its Club leader Marielly featured on Jornal Nacional, Brazil’s most watched news TV show, where she discussed the historical obstacles and accomplishments faced by women.
While I find being a woman amazing and wouldn’t wish to be anything else, it’s also important to acknowledge all the women who fought for the rights you have today. True gender equity doesn’t exist yet.
Marielly, Girl Up Rosalind Franklin
Girl Up Fembots provided school supplies and scholarships of ₹4000 to eight brilliant girls from low-income families in India. The team also conducted an awareness session on gender equality, during which they discussed important concepts such as equal pay and the feminist movement.
Girl Up Tlaxcala took to the streets in Mexico to document Women’s Day protests.
Girl Up Prepa 22 organized an event in Mexico with table tennis, a folkloric dance performance, and a presentation on women’s history.
Girl Up Southeast TX Coalition hosted their sixth annual Unite Summit with interactive workshops focused on inspiring young people to be better leaders and feminists, which serve from a place of love and empathy.
Girl Up Diponegoro in Indonesia organized a poster design competition that highlighted the best infographics on International Women’s Day.
Girl Up Nayarit held a Women’s Day “Creative Picnic” and sold feminist bandanas to raise funds for their club activities.
SBHS Girl Up Club facilitated a meeting where participants wrote thank-you letters to important women in their lives.
Girl Up Aspire donated menstrual hygiene products and cholera prevention items to over 200 students at a primary school in Malawi, as well as organizing cultural dances, menstrual hygiene lessons, and empowering discussions.
The sanitary products which were provided to the girls will help them not miss a class during their menstrual period. We know that this is a challenge for most girls that cannot afford to buy sanitary products.
Promise, regional leader from Girl Up Malawi
Girl Up Empowerment hosted a STEAM picnic at Chapultepec Park with young girls.
Girl Up Nation hosted an Instagram live with Girl Up Teen Advisors Isabel and Liliana sharing their favorite memories, experiences, and insights into the TA program, as well as receiving guests for another live on the impact of storytelling in advocacy work.
Girl Up Preet hosted an Instagram live on overcoming body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
Girl Up Zimbabwe promoted a self-development event through affirmations, career guidance, and self-defense and donated self-care products to young girls aged 12-20.
Girl Up Nigeria hosted an online event to share tech opportunities for women and girls.
Girl Up Madrid & Girl Up Activistas organized an event together to discuss International Women’s Day.
To keep up with all the incredible ways Girl Up leaders are fundraising, organizing, storytelling, and advocating around gender justice beyond Women’s History Month, follow Girl Up on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok!
