Girl Up | Search Results for “volunteer”

Girl Up USA’s introduction of youth-led long-form content, through LeadHER Voices, aims to amplify our mission of educating and empowering girls across the United States. By providing a platform for youth to share their passions and explore topics they care about, we create opportunities for them to educate others while deepening their understanding. This initiative will expand our reach, foster informed and meaningful discussions, and strengthen alignment with Girl Up’s values and goals.

Throughout history, the narratives that dominate our textbooks often focus on prominent figures—kings, presidents, renowned scientists—while the myriad contributions of everyday individuals, particularly women, remain overlooked. Yet, as American journalist Dorothy Dix noted, “the Ordinary Woman is the real heroine of life.” It is these “ordinary” women who have woven the very fabric of our societies, their resilience and dedication driving progress in countless, often unrecognized ways. As we observe Women’s History Month, it is both fitting and necessary to honor these unsung heroines, acknowledging their pivotal roles from centuries past to the present day.

Historical Contributions of Ordinary Women

Growing up, I often heard stories from my grandmother about how she worked tirelessly to provide for her family, taking on multiple roles both inside and outside the home. In Malaysia, women have navigated between traditional values and modern challenges, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress. My grandmother, who grew up in a small village, faced numerous challenges due to her ethnicity and gender. Her resilience and determination to provide for her family despite societal barriers echo the struggles of many women in Malaysia.

The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries saw women entering factories in large numbers, working long hours under grueling conditions. Their labor was instrumental in powering burgeoning industries, yet they often received meager wages and faced hazardous environments. Despite these challenges, these women laid the groundwork for labor rights movements, advocating for fair wages and safer working conditions. Hearing my grandmother talk about the sacrifices she made and the resilience she showed in the face of adversity, I can’t help but see echoes of these past struggles in the present. Her stories of perseverance and dedication remind me that the strength of ordinary women has always been a driving force behind societal progress.

Modern-Day Impact of Ordinary Women

Today, I see the power of ordinary women in my own life. My mother, who balanced her career while ensuring my siblings and I had everything we needed, is a testament to the resilience of women. I remember how she would stay up late to help me with my homework, even after a long day at work, and still wake up early the next morning to make us breakfast. Her unwavering support and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration for me.

The teachers who encouraged me to pursue my passions also played a significant role in my development. My high school math teacher not only helped me excel academically, but also inspired me to lead and mentor others. She once stayed after school for hours to help me prepare for a math competition, showing me the importance of perseverance and hard work. Her belief in my abilities motivated me to become a community leader, dedicated to empowering others through education and technology.

The mentors who guided me through my leadership roles, and the countless women who work behind the scenes in various industries all embody the spirit of progress and dedication. Often we are quick to celebrate and praise the celebrity, however I believe it is even more important to recognized the unsung ordinary women in fields like Education and Community Leadership:

Education: Female educators shape future generations, imparting knowledge and values that students carry throughout their lives. My journey in education, particularly in STEM, was shaped by female mentors who encouraged me to break barriers. My high school computer science teacher, who saw potential in my coding skills, pushed me to join initiatives and clubs where I’ve formed life-long connections and my voice in STEM. The way I carry myself now in such a male-dominated field wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

Community Leadership: Women often spearhead community initiatives, from organizing local events to leading volunteer efforts. Leaders like Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, and Dorothy Height, who led the National Council of Negro Women, have dedicated their lives to uplifting marginalized communities through education and advocacy. IBeing involved in leadership roles myself, from Girls Who Code to my work with digital literacy initiatives, I’ve seen firsthand how women create spaces for learning, growth, and change. My mother, who balanced her career while ensuring my siblings and I had everything we needed, always encouraged me to pursue my passions and take on leadership roles. Similarly, Mrs. Johnson, my high school math teacher, not only helped me excel academically but also inspired me to lead and mentor others. Their unwavering support and belief in my abilities motivated me to become a community leader, dedicated to empowering others through education and technology.

Don’t let anything stop you. Not even yourself.
Wilma mankiller

Challenges and Resilience

Despite their invaluable contributions, ordinary women frequently face systemic challenges that hinder their professional growth and personal well-being.

Gender Bias: Women in various professions often encounter prejudices that undervalue their expertise and limit their opportunities for advancement. In many industries, women are paid less than their male counterparts for the same work, and leadership positions remain disproportionately occupied by men. This bias extends beyond wages, influencing workplace dynamics, hiring practices, and career progression. For instance, women hold only 25% of senior leadership roles in the health sector, despite comprising 70% of the workforce. I’ve experienced moments of being underestimated in my leadership roles, whether in STEM or student organizations, and even I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove myself.

Work-Life Balance: Balancing professional responsibilities with familial duties is another major challenge for many women. Societal expectations often place an undue burden on them to manage both work and household duties seamlessly. Seeing my mother navigate this balancing act gave me a firsthand understanding of the sacrifices women make daily. After a long late night shift, she would still get home to She would often work late into the night after putting my siblings to bed and still wake up early the next morning to make us lunch and breakfast. Her dedication to both her career and our family has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

Recognition: The achievements of ordinary women are frequently overlooked in both historical and contemporary narratives. Textbooks, media, and public discourse often focus on a select few female trailblazers while ignoring the everyday women who have shaped communities, workplaces, and families through their resilience and dedication. Leaders like Frances Harper in the abolitionist movement or Rosalind Franklin in the scientific movement go without recognition in the history books. This lack of representation reinforces the misconception that significant contributions come only from those in the public eye, rather than from the countless women who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Path Forward: Honoring and Empowering Ordinary Women

To truly honor these women, society must actively acknowledge and celebrate their contributions across all sectors. Their stories should be shared, ensuring that their impact is recognized and valued. Schools, media, and organizations should highlight the essential roles that ordinary women play in shaping the world.

Promoting equality is also crucial in addressing systemic barriers. Policies that combat gender bias, ensure fair wages, and create leadership opportunities for women must be implemented and enforced. Equal representation in decision-making roles will pave the way for more inclusive and supportive workplaces. Recent progress includes the UN’s Beijing+30 Action Agenda, which aims to achieve gender equality through initiatives like digital revolution, freedom from poverty, and zero violence. Additionally, countries with domestic violence laws have reported lower rates of intimate partner violence, demonstrating the positive impact of such policies.

Supporting work-life integration is another vital step toward empowering women. Providing accessible childcare, implementing parental leave policies, and encouraging flexible work arrangements can help women balance their personal and professional lives without sacrificing one for the other. Recent movements advocating for paid parental leave and leaders like Jacinda Ardern, who championed work-life balance during her tenure as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, have paved the way for more supportive environments for working women. When these structures are in place, women are better equipped to thrive in their careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives.

As we reflect during Women’s History Month, let us remember that the strength of our societies is built upon the unwavering efforts of ordinary women. Their stories, though often untold, are the threads that weave our collective history. By acknowledging and supporting these women, we not only honor their legacy but also pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.

PHOTO SOURCE: “Why Representation in Politics Actually Matters” by Sophie Vaughan (Teen Vogue) March 17, 2020

“If you do not have a seat at the table, you are on the menu,” said Candice Cho, Managing Director of Policy and Counsel with the AAPI Equity Alliance, during the 2024 Girl Up USA Youth Leadership Summit. As a first-generation Korean immigrant, I never imagined I would chair my Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, serve on Louisiana’s Model United Nations State Board, or lead policy initiatives to provide free menstrual products in our public schools. Growing up, I shared the all-too-common experience of struggling to find a political leader who looked like me or shared my experiences as a girl and a member of the AAPI community. To create a more inclusive political landscape, we must ensure that women have a seat at the table, not just in the voting booth.

Despite representing over half of the U.S. population, women have long been underrepresented in political offices. As of 2023, only 26% of the U.S. Senate and 28.7% of the House of Representatives are occupied by women. Historically, women have accounted for just 3.3% of all members of Congress, and even at the state level, women held only 32.7% of state legislature seats in 2023. As we navigate 2025, only 13 out of 50 states will be governed by women. This data underscores a stark yet improving disparity, with women consistently holding less than 40% of political offices, although the latest U.S. Census reports that women comprise 50.5% of the population. For far too many aspiring politicians like me, we grow up without female representatives, without female governors, and without female political executives.

The history of women in politics in the U.S. is marked by significant firsts, many of which were groundbreaking moments for their time. In my own experience, my high school Civics, United States History, and Government classes taught us about major events and figures like the signing of the Constitution or The New Deal. However, they rarely delved into the trials and triumphs of achieving gender equity in politics. I immigrated to the United States and grew up frustrated by the lack of education and empathy surrounding the recognition of achievements in gender equity within politics. So here we are, ready to dive into a few notable achievements collected from the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics to catch you up to speed!

1866: Following the Seneca Falls Convention—the first women’s rights convention calling for legal reforms including suffrage—Elizabeth Cady Stanton ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as an Independent from New York, despite being ineligible to vote.
1968: Shirley Chisholm, a Democrat from New York, became the first Black woman to serve in Congress. She remained in the House of Representatives until 1982, advocating for marginalized communities across America.
1997: Aida Alvarez, appointed as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, became the first Hispanic woman and the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to hold a Cabinet-level position in a U.S. administration.
2012: Mazie Hirono, a Democrat from Hawaii, became the first Asian-Pacific Islander woman elected to the U.S. Senate, and only the second woman of color to serve in that body.
2021: Deb Haaland, appointed by President Biden as Secretary of the Interior, became the first Native American woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet.

Despite trailblazing achievements, women still face significant barriers to entering politics. Gender-based discrimination, societal expectations, and institutional biases continue to limit women’s full participation. Many report facing skepticism about their leadership abilities while impacted by unequal access to resources and a lack of female role models in political office.

Delaware Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to a state senate, addressed the ongoing stigma in a 2024 CBS News interview, saying, “I’m focused on rolling up my sleeves, diving into the details, setting up my office, and beginning the hard work of delivering for Delawareans on the issues that I know keep them up at night.”

PHOTO SOURCE: “Trans congresswoman Sarah McBride responds to Capitol Hill bathroom ban” by Léonie Chao-Fong and Joanna Walters (The Guardian) November 20, 2024

Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris reflected on her struggles in a 2024 NBC interview, stating, “My challenge is the challenge of making sure I can talk with and listen to as many voters as possible and earn their vote. I will never assume that anyone in our country should elect a leader based on their gender or their race, instead, that leader needs to earn the vote based on substance and what they will do to address challenges and inspire people.” Today, the fight for gender equity in politics starts at the voting booth and continues through scrutiny by the American public. However, the path to increasing female representation is not only a national concern but also a crucial priority for sustaining generational gender equity in politics.

From a youth perspective, engaging in activities such as Model United Nations, Mock Youth Legislature conferences, or youth advisory councils can inspire and equip girls to envision themselves as political leaders. Personally, I’ve always struggled with self-image, self-worth, and self-confidence. The idea of immersing myself in politics was never something I envisioned. Yet, through debates, discussions, and dialogues, I found my voice—all with the guidance of extracurriculars in policymaking and representing my communities on various political bodies. At Girl Up USA, we offer a variety of webinars and events for you to lobby representatives and register young, first-time voters, or lead skill-building workshops to educate people on political issues pertinent to your region. These opportunities empower young women to take on leadership roles and engage in politics, offering a chance to see women not just participating, but succeeding, in the political arena.

PHOTO SOURCE: “Five female progressive rising stars to watch in 2024” by Hanna Trudo (The Hill) October 13, 2022

While we continue to see strides in fields like STEM, media, sports, law, and activism, we must also ensure that young girls are empowered to take on political leadership. The presence of women in politics isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of progress. We need women in all sectors of society to create a balanced, representative, and inclusive future. For the next generation of aspiring politicians, seeing women lead is not just inspiring—it is essential for creating lasting, long-term change.

To kick-start or advance your journey into politics, here are some practical steps to help you get involved and build your leadership path.

For High School Students:

Girls State: Participate in the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program, where you can learn about the workings of government and develop leadership skills by running for office and making decisions for your mock state.
Summer Programs: Look for pre-college programs focused on politics, public policy, and leadership (like those offered by prestigious universities or through local civic organizations).
Girl Up: Learn and advocate about issues you are passionate about. Girl Up equips young leaders ages 13-24 with advocacy training, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experience in civic engagement that serves as a great first step in your political journey.

For College Students:

Internships: Apply to shadow or intern with local politicians, government agencies, or non-profit organizations focusing on policy and advocacy. These provide hands-on experience and insight into how the political system works and help you navigate a career in politics. Resources like American Political Science Association (APSA) supports political science students in their professional development.
Join Campus Organizations: Participate in political clubs or student government to network with like-minded individuals and gain experience in organizing and campaigning Like the NAACP, Future Leaders of America,
Attend Political Conferences: Look for conferences or seminars on political activism and leadership to engage with current issues and learn from experts like The Congressional Black Caucus, League of United Latin American Citizens, and more. From town halls to national conventions, even volunteering at events offers valuable opportunities to connect with people who can help advance your political journey.

In reflecting on women’s achievements in politics, let us also commit to fostering more opportunities for women to lead. By supporting female representation and participation in political spaces, we ensure that the next generation of leaders, regardless of gender, can shape a more equitable and just world.

Remember, if there’s no seat at the table for you, bring your own chair, roll up your sleeves, and redefine what is possible.

Learn more about the LeadHer Voice Leaders Here

Girl Up USA is made up of an amazing team of girl leaders across the nation who are passionate changemakers and dedicated to advancing gender justice, advocating for social change, and building a more equitable future for all. Through their commitment to leadership, advocacy, and community impact, they are shaping the next generation of change.

2024-2025 Girl Up USA Leaders: A Snapshot

30
Youth Leaders
27
Cities
14
States

2025-2026 Youth Advisors

The Girl Up USA Youth Advisory Board is created to serve and shape the voice of girls in the USA. Youth Advisors have a unique perspective on gender equity, are outspoken, and are driven by their experience to be passionate changemakers who advance Girl Up USA’s work together.

Conselheiros

Jazmine C.

San Dimas, California
Jazmine is a high school senior from San Dimas, California. She is passionate about bringing awareness to gender-based violence and empowering girls everywhere. Jazmine loves to go on runs with friends in her free time and has a golden chihuahua named cinnamon!
Sophia D.
Sophia is a high school junior at Sidwell Friends School. She is passionate about educating younger girls on self-image, personal values, and confidence in their identities. The summer before her junior year, Sophia studied abroad in France. She also plays volleyball and lacrosse!
Olivia K.

Cambridge, Massachusetts
Olivia is a first-year student at Harvard University, originally from Sacramento, California. She is passionate about easing climate anxiety among younger teens and empowering girls with the resources and confidence to engage in environmentalism and the fight for climate justice. Outside of academics and extracurriculars, Olivia enjoys exploring Boston’s art museums – her current favorite being the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum!
Irene P.

Orange County, California
Irene is a high school junior from Orange County, California. She is passionate about increasing equality for girls in STEM and empowering underrepresented groups to take leadership. She serves as the National Parliamentarian of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) where she represents over 230,000 students and works to increase funding and support for career and technical education in schools. She is a four-time national gold medalist in Academic Decathlon and a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross and Alzheimer’s Association. In the future, she hopes to be a neuroscientist and develop accessible treatments for neurodegenerative disease!
Aishvarya P.

Johns Creek, Georgia
Aishvarya is a high school sophomore from Johns Creek, Georgia. She is passionate about improving menstrual equity for girls across the world. In her free time, she likes to play the guitar or go hiking!
Nikki R.

Richmond, Virginia
Nikki is a high school junior from Richmond, Virginia. She is extremely interested in advocacy for female immigrants in education systems and alleviating period poverty. Nikki is also a dancer, tennis player, and avid Model UN leader at her school. In her free time, Nikki enjoys watching comedy movies and traveling!
Sudharshini R.

Phoenix, Arizona
Sudharshini is a high schooler from Phoenix, Arizona. She’s passionate about breaking gender barriers in STEM and using technology to foster social change. Through her experience with AI projects and biomedical research, she wants to create STEM opportunities for underprivileged girls. She also loves competing in chess tournaments and mentoring others in the game.
Diya S.

Frisco, Texas
Diya is a high school junior from Frisco, Texas. Her goal is to advocate for female representation and empowerment in the field of entrepreneurship. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as teaching swimming at her local swim school!
Jahnavi T.

Sugar Land, Texas
Jahnavi is a high school junior from Sugar Land, Texas. She is passionate about advocating for female representation in STEM fields, and striving for a better political future for all girls. She is beyond elated to serve as a youth advisor for Girl Up USA and empower women and girls across the country to strive for more progress! In her free time, Jahnavi enjoys listening to Lana Del Rey, and baking with her friends.
Saanvi V.

Frisco, Texas
Saanvi is a high school junior from Frisco, Texas, and a dedicated pre-med student with a deep passion for the intersection of STEM and the humanities. A frequent hospital volunteer, she is currently exploring neuroscience through various projects. She is also committed to both journalism and activism, serving as the senior editor for her school’s yearbook and creating a women’s safety startup. Saanvi strives to make a tangible impact through her work, creating a brighter future for all women and demonstrating that barriers are meant to be broken.
Sahasra Y.

Allen, Texas
Sahasra is a high school junior from Allen, Texas. She is an intersectional innovator and activist, working to build a world where no community or identity is left behind in the fight against climate change. Sahasra loves slow fashion, trying new cuisines, and ecotourism (the next country on her bucket list is Iceland!). She finds joy in discovering and curating music across decades, genres, and cultures, and is always up for a spontaneous philosophical discussion!

2025-2026 Coalition Leaders

Girl Up USA’s Coalition Leaders unite Girl Up Clubs and their communities in the movement for global gender justice. They are fearless and motivated grassroots activists committed to supporting, mentoring, and activating a powerful generation of changemakers taking action for girls worldwide.

Leaders

Find Your Coalition Leader

Isabella A.

Imperial, California
Isabelle is a high school sophomore from Imperial, California. She is passionate about global issues and advocacy to contribute to equality in all capacities, specifically female representation in STEM fields, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equity. Isabelle’s favorite author is Lynn Painter and loves to jam out to Taylor Swift! She aspires to be a part of positive change, creating impact locally and globally.
Elsa B.

Washington, DC
Elsa is a 12th grader from Washington DC passionate about the environment because it plays a vital role in her urban community. Witnessing how youth can be marginalized from the climate conversation, she wants to empower girls and youth to advocate for environmental solutions, starting from the ground up. Fun fact: she used to Irish dance in middle school, and could probably still bust a move.
Juliette D.

Corona, California
Juliette is a high school senior from Corona, California. She is passionate about feminism with a focus on gender equity in education, as well as writing, journalism, and traveling. Juliette comes from a Romanian family but one of her favorite pleasures in life is partaking in various cultures. She aspires to be a renowned author and investigative feminist-based journalist that travels and connects women globally!
Ivy G.

Queens, New York
Ivy is a college junior at Boston University. She was born and raised in Queens, New York, and is passionate about reproductive justice and preserving the right to bodily autonomy for menstruating individuals globally. Ivy’s favorite pastime is writing poetry and performing song covers at local music shows!
Olivia H.

Los Angeles, California
Olivia is a high school senior based in Los Angeles, California. She loves playing tennis, reading (she is currently reading War and Peace), and meeting new people! Olivia is also incredibly passionate about business and has her own financial literacy program focused on educating youth!
Siyeon J.

Lafayette, Louisiana
Siyeon is a high school senior based in Lafayette/Broussard, Louisiana. Whether on the Gulf or on a global level, Siyeon is actively engaged in climate advocacy and STEM research. Outside of Girl Up, she loves to dance ballet and listen to musicals!
Ruth K.

Columbus, Ohio
Ruth is passionate about girls’ education and gender-based violence activism. She is a university student at Ohio Dominican University studying History and Political Science. Ruth loves building community and enjoys discussing global issues. She started a YouTube Channel called Hist. Ed and she would love to visit Singapore one day.
Isabella K.

Ridgewood, New Jersey
Isabella is a high school senior from Ridgewood, New Jersey. She is passionate about fighting disability discrimination. Isabella was born on New Year’s Day and has been dancing since she was three years old!
Zayna K.

Paradise Valley, Arizona
Zayna is a high school sophomore from Paradise Valley, Arizona. She is passionate about dismantling the period stigma. She participates in theater and Speech and Debate. Zayna is also an avid music listener!
Anna K.

Alpharetta, Georgia
Namkyung (Anna) is a high school junior living in Alpharetta, Georgia. She is passionate about women in sports and equal education rights for all genders. A fun fact about Anna is that she has lived in five different countries: South Korea, Poland, Argentina, Chile, and the US. Anna loves to rock climb and eat all kinds of food especially Mexican food.
Saisha K.

Brentwood, Tennesse
Saisha is a high school student from Brentwood, Tennessee. She is passionate about advocating for girls’ access to career opportunities and financial literacy. A fun fact about her is that she loves trying different cuisines and is always on the lookout for new places to try!
Rachana L.

Frisco, Texas
Rachana is a high school senior from Frisco, Texas. She’s passionate about all aspects of gender equity, especially regarding menstrual equity, universal education and the representation of minorities in STEM. She’s been involved with Girl Up for 4 years, through leading her local chapter, Coyote Girl Up, as a WiSci camper, and as a previous board member for Girl Up Texas! In her free time, she likes to listen to her favorite music artist, MICO, play badminton with friends, explore local cafes, and catch up on episodes of Brooklyn 99 and Kim’s Convenience.
Anjali M.

Chicago, Illinois
Anjali is a high school sophomore from Chicago, Illinois. Passionate about health equity, she works to spread awareness of and combat breast cancer disparities. She loves running and getting to explore Chicago on her runs. She’s also been playing chess since she was 6 years old and works on bridging the gender gap in chess!
England M.

Atlanta, Georgia
England is a bridge between advocacy and action, weaving together leadership, equity, and empowerment in every space she enters. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, and currently attending college in Washington, D.C., she carries the lessons of her community into every room she steps into. As Deputy Director of Outreach for Students for Change and Co-Education Chair for the NAACP at American University, she doesn’t just hold titles—she builds movements. Rooted in the philosophy of “build as I climb,” she believes a seat at the table means nothing if the meal isn’t shared, transforming conversations into change for those often unheard.
Yarisved N.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Yarisved is a junior in highschool from Las Vegas, Nevada. She is passionate about advocating for others and creating art. A fun fact about Yarisved is that she has freckles on only half of her face.
Abisola O.

Baltimore, Maryland
Abisola is a high school junior from Baltimore, Maryland. She is passionate about period product insecurity and reading. Abisola’s favorite artist is Lauryn Hill and her favorite place she’s traveled to is Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii.
Madelyn Q.

Katy, Texas
Madelyn is a high school junior from Katy, Texas. An advocate for female empowerment, education, and well-being, she is passionate about bringing communities together around meaningful social justice topics, often through creative methods. Madelyn finds great joy in learning languages, listening to Sade Adu, capturing moments with her digital camera, and eating mint chocolate chip ice cream… with a fork.
Zara S.

Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Zara is a high school senior from Berwyn, Pennsylvania. She is passionate about girls’ education and female representation in STEM and leadership. Zara loves eating Turkish food and watching Seinfeld with her brothers!
Caroline S.

Burlington, Massachuesetts
Caroline is a sophomore at Salem State University from Burlington, Massachusetts. She is passionate about female representation in STEM fields as she is a Bio Medical Science major with a minor in Chemistry. Caroline’s favorite hobby is dancing and choreographing for her university’s dance club. A fun fact about Caroline is that she has a secondary minor in Italian language and has been speaking Italian since middle school.
Promyse W.

Fort Wayne, Indiana
Promyse is a high school senior from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She loves trying new things, writing and exploring, whether that be through literature or through experiences. She is passionate about diversifying and interlinking various perspectives among individuals and advocating for all, regardless of social identity. She loves to use abstraction in her art and owns an impressive snow globe collection.

2025 Heal Our Planet Shoreline Cleanup Leaders

The Heal Our Planet Shoreline Cleanup Leaders are young changemakers committed to tackling climate change through education, advocacy, and direct action. As part of the Heal Our Planet 2.0 campaign, a collaboration between Girl Up USA and Ocean Wise, these leaders are equipped with the skills, resources, and grants to drive environmental impact in their communities.

Leaders

Sanjana D.

La Palma, California
Sanjana is passionate about the environment because it is a place fully natural and beautiful, and living in Southern California, she enjoys taking long hikes with her dog up neighboring hills. After witnessing the littering and extreme unawareness for environmental degradation in her community, she has committed years to raising awareness in her city about properly recycling e-waste and taking care of our beaches. Sanjana grew extremely fond of landscapes and often paints various sceneries she has seen throughout her travels, her favorites being Switzerland and Germany.
Shriya G.

La Habra, California
Shriya is a student at the Orange County School of the Arts passionate about helping environmental restoration. Going to India many summers, Shriya has seen the depths of poverty and how the cleanliness of the society has to do with it. She understood the intricate harshness of not having proper hygienic and sanitation because of society’s lack of understanding about trash and its detrimental effects. Shriya wants to clean society so the new generation can experience the beauties of the world and ensure how to treat it properly. Shriya cares deeply for nature and is adventurous, whether it is ziplining or going in the middle of the ocean in the middle of the night to see the unique animals’ lifestyle.
Abigael H.

Bronx, New York
Abby is a senior at Fordham University studying International Studies and Peace and Justice Studies. She is passionate about maintaining the natural beauty that our environment provides and a protected habitat for wildlife. Abby has been interested in the future of sustainability in menstrual hygiene products and making them accessible for all. A fun fact is that Abby has been the mascot at Fordham for the last three years.
Siyeon J.

Lafayette, Louisiana
Siyeon is a high school senior from South Korea but now based in Lafayette/Broussard, Louisiana. Passionate about climate advocacy, she serves as president of her school’s Eco Club and is actively involved with EarthEcho International, The Climate Initiative, and NOAA. After learning about coastal restoration efforts and Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, she is dedicated to building community resilience while protecting and restoring our oceans. An avid nature explorer, Siyeon was also a featured guest on “The Conservation Conversation” podcast!
Akshara K.

Asbury Park, New Jersey
Akshara is passionate about the environment because her mother’s experience as an environmental engineer inspires her to carry this legacy forward by protecting the environment. As captain of her school’s engineering design TSA team, she works with her team to create engineering innovations to promote environmental sustainability. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her friends and play the piano. She is extremely excited to lead a clean up, directly making a change in her local community.
Jahnavi T. Lucy X.

Sugar Land, Texas
Jahnavi and Lucy are both high school juniors from Houston, Texas who are extremely passionate about the environment and the world around them. Through their organization, Apparel Advocates, a cause dedicated to fighting fast fashion, they are committed to educating the community around them, as well as making an impact through their grassroots efforts to fight climate change and pollution step by step. Inspired by witnessing real time advocacy efforts in their community, they cannot wait to make a change! In their free time, the two enjoy hanging out and trying new restaurants around their city.
Rachana L.

Frisco, Texas
Rachana is a high school senior from Frisco, Texas. Her passion for environment stems from her experience at WiSci South Asia, where she learned in-depth about the global and local effects of climate change and environmental activism. From researching and working on a STEAM project surrounding physical water pollution, she’s dedicated to advocating for environmental preservation and the development of a sustainable future for all. In her downtime, Rachana enjoys reading new books and baking pastries.
Amanda M.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Amanda is a high school senior from Las Vegas, Nevada! Growing up in ‘the city of lights’, she learned about the harms of pollution, and how to appreciate the environment from a young age. She loves to meditate outside and feel connected to Mother Nature. A fun fact about her is that she takes her shoes off whenever she walks over grass!
Anjali M.

Chicago, Illinois
Anjali is from Chicago and her passion for the environment developed on her long runs when she would explore the different parts of the city. She believes it is essential to protect the planet for everyone’s future. In third grade, Anjali could recite 180 digits of pi!
England M.

Lithonia, Georgia
England is passionate about education and social justice, believing that access to quality education is essential for improving the quality of life. She advocates for systemic change to ensure that education is equitable, recognizing its intersection with policy, action, and community involvement. She co-founded an education initiative aimed at improving access to resources and information for middle through college students. A fun fact about her is that this initiative has grown to become a vital support network for students, helping them navigate educational challenges and opportunities.
Chetana M.

Tampa, Florida
Chetana is a passionate student advocate who feels strongly that climate change should be at the forefront of initiatives for global positive change. She believes that through encouraging young activists and students to take charge and clean up their own communities, we can begin to see a positive difference in attitudes and impact of climate change projects. Coming from the South Florida area, Chetana constantly sees pollution and the unhoused population it directly affects, limiting access to clean food, water, and shelter. Inspired by a vision to do better for future generations, Chetana hopes to lead climate initiatives in her community to help those in the near and far future while also helping the planet.
Priyanshi R.

Cumming, Georgia
Priyanshi is passionate about the environment because she grew up on the beaches of San Diego to the mountain ranges of Georgia, fostering a deep appreciation of nature’s beauty and its ability to have a home for each animal small or big. She is dedicated to environmental restoration and sustainability to make sure those animals always have a home to thrive-and while believing that collective action can heal the planet for future generations, Priyanshi works to advocate and raise awareness to inspire others to protect natural spaces and environments in every-way she can. Furthermore, her dream is to travel the world in the future and hope to see everything in its true nature untouched by the modern world from the Iguazu Falls to the Great Barrier Reef to the Colosseum and much more!
Zara S.

Malvern, Pennsylvania
Zara is passionate about the environment because she understands that her generation holds a unique responsibility to safeguard the planet. She channels this responsibility into mobilizing youth, empowering them to become active participants in creating a healthy future. This awareness, along with a deep love for the greenery of her hometown, Malvern, Pennsylvania, motivates her to seek sustainable solutions.
Caroline S.

Salem, Massachusetts
Caroline is passionate about the environment because she is a biology major and a sustainability intern at her campus’s facilities office. Every day she works to improve the sustainability efforts of those around her from encouraging close friends to think and act more “green”, to advocating for more sustainable practices across campus. Caroline was first inspired to take action towards the environment when she began taking courses on environmental science in high school. One thing she believes is most important to understanding the environment is keeping environmental education alive in schools.
Josephine S.

Mesa, Arizona
Josephine is passionate about the environment as she loves spending time exploring and relaxing in nature. Having lived for years near a national forest in Arizona, Josephine has seen the devastating effects of pollution and fires on the surrounding areas. This has driven her to protect the environment and work to conserve nature’s beauty by promoting sustainability and working to protect her community. Josephine also enjoys trail running through the desert mountains surrounding her, and she is a member of her high school’s track and cross-country team.
Krithikha S.

Tomball, Texas
Krithikha is passionate about the environment because she grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of Texas and developed a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of ecosystems. She witnessed the impact of pollution firsthand in marine and wildlife ecosystems. This fueled her commitment to raising awareness and also innovating sustainable solutions to preserve the planet for future generations. Her prized possession is her seashells, a reminder of why protecting the marine ecosystem matters.
Valeria S.
Valeria is a passionate environmental and gender equality advocate based in Texas. Growing up near Canada’s Rocky Mountains, she developed a profound love for nature at an early age. Witnessing the devastation of human-induced wildfires in the lush Canadian forests solidified her commitment to combating climate change, addressing how it disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide, and contributing to a sustainable future for coming generations to thrive in a healthy environment. In her free time, she enjoys visiting flower fields and watching nature documentaries!
Ellie N. and Crystal Y.

Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Ellie Noh and Crystal Yeh are from New Jersey. Ellie is a first-year at UC Davis studying Environment Policy, and Crystal is a first-year at UPenn studying Environmental, Social, Governance and Finance. They pursue their passion for sustainability through the youth organization they founded — LEAP for Climate — which focuses on closing the opportunity gap in climate education and leadership. They love to play tennis together, and their favorite animals are frogs!

2025 Mental Health Youth Champions

Girl Up USA Mental Health Youth Champions are young leaders who are passionate about advocating for mental wellness and creating a positive impact in their communities. They lead efforts to raise awareness about youth mental health, develop initiatives to increase access to resources, and inspire others to get involved in promoting mental wellness.

Leaders

Karla A.

Reading, Pennsylvania
Karla A. is a high school sophomore from Pennsylvania. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and gender equity in STEM. Her favorite thing to do is to travel to new places, her favorite being France!
Yana G.

Bellevue, Washington
Yana G. is a high school junior from Bellevue, Washington. She is passionate about advocating for girls’ mental health and she enjoys hiking, spending time with family and friends, and music. Yana’s favorite artist is The Weeknd and her hidden talent is juggling!
Isabella H.

Canton, Michigan
Isabella H. is a high school junior from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has a passion for studying neuroscience, aspiring to become a psychiatrist. She enjoys reading, playing the clarinet, and expressing her creativity. Having traveled to three out of seven continents, Isabella loves cheering for the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions during football season.
Trisha K.

Sunnyvale, California
Trisha K. is a high school junior from Sunnyvale, California. She is passionate about addressing the data gap present in women’s mental health and ending worker exploitation in the clothing supply chain. Trisha enjoys learning contemporary dance and creating digital art.
Nora L.

Chicago, Illinois
Nora L. is a high school junior from Chicago, Illinois. She is incredibly passionate about decreasing the stigma surrounding youth mental health, as well as reproductive rights. Nora likes to bike along the lakefront with her family, and she loves anything mango-flavored!
Amberleigh Q.

Trumbull, Connecticut
Amberleigh Q. is a Puerto Rican high school junior who currently lives in Trumbull, Connecticut. She is an award-winning teen writer and activist, and is passionate about female representation in media, teen mental health, and the arts. Amberleigh plays the drums and has a Swiss Cheese plant named Mita!
Emaan S.

Katy, Texas
Emaan S. is a high school junior from Katy, Texas. She is passionate about women empowerment in STEM fields and underserved communities and the intersection of medicine with different field. Emaan’s favorite book is The Book Thief and her prized possesion is her grandmother’s favorite gold necklace.
Sriya S.

Fairfield, California
Sriya Srinivasan is a dual-enrolled high school junior from Fairfield, California. She is passionate about reproductive justice and menstrual education along with nutrition equity. Sriya loves to cook, bake, and read spin offs to TV shows!
Saanvi V.

Frisco, Texas
Saanvi V. is a dedicated high school junior from Frisco, Texas, passionate about advocating for women’s safety, education, and mental health. Interested in the pre-med track, she aspires to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. In her free time, Saanvi enjoys writing and dancing, as well as exploring new cultures through travel. Finally, a lover of romance novels, she finds joy in stories that transport her to different worlds.
Hannah Y.

Los Angeles, California
Hannah Y. is a high school student in Los Angeles, California. She is very passionate about youth mental health and environmental policy. Hannah also enjoys speech and debate, participating in theater, and listening to Wave to Earth!

2024-2025 Youth Advisors

Conselheiros

Anjali M.

Chicago Illinois
Anjali M is a high school freshman from Chicago, Illinois. She is passionate about fighting healthcare inequities and working towards gender equality especially in competitive chess. She runs Cross Country/Track and Field, loves to read, and enjoys going to concerts of her favorite artists!
Anshuni K.

Sugar Land, Texas
Anshuni K is a high school senior from Sugar Land, Texas, who plans to major in Chemical Engineering in college. She channels her passion towards addressing menstrual poverty and advocating for female empowerment in STEM. Anshuni has actively participated in her school’s chapters of Girl Up, Girl Up South East Texas, and Girl Up Texas, and looks forward to extending her advocacy to Girl Up USA. In her free time, she indulges in singing, playing the guitar and piano, and expressing herself through art.
Camila O.

Riegelsville, Pennsylvania
Camila O is a first-year student at Harvard studying Government, Philosophy, and EMR(Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights). She is from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania and is passionate about gender-based violence advocacy and gendercide advocacy worldwide. Camila wants to be a United States Supreme Court Justice, and her favorite movie is “The Impossible.”
Helena B.

Naples, Florida
Helena B is an uprising senior at Naples, Florida. She is passionate about international affairs and participates in Model UN, Debate, National Honor Society, and (of course) Girl Up! In her free time, Helena loves to oil paint, sketch, listen to music, and spend time at the beach or with her friends. She is so excited to participate in Girl Up’s mission as a Youth Advisor!
Jiya M.

Paradise Valley, Arizona
Jiya M is a high school junior from Phoenix, Arizona. She is passionate about menstrual equity and advocacy for women’s health through public policy. Jiya is active in Speech and Debate and Theater, and loves her three dogs, travel, Olivia Rodrigo, and cookies!
Karla A.

Reading, Pennsylvania
Karla A is a high school freshman from Reading, Pennsylvania. She is passionate about youth mental health and female representation in STEM fields. In her free time, she loves to hangout with friends and family, play tennis, and listen to music.
Maisie W.

Ann Arbor, Michigan
Maisie W is a high school junior from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is passionate about climate change’s intersection with gender equality. Maisie loves to bake and go out for coffee!
Siyeon J.

Lafayette, Louisiana
Siyeon J is a high school junior born in Seoul, South Korea, but based in Lafayette, Louisiana. Whether on the Gulf or the global level, Siyeon actively works to engage others to advocate for themselves and their communities in the climate movement. In addition to being constantly curious about cultures and policies, she is an avid ballet dancer, violinist, researcher, and foodie!
Tahirah A.

Syracuse, New York
Tahirah A.is an award-winning social activist and International Martial-Arts Champion from Syracuse, NY. She is passionate about female representation/ equity in sports, mental health, and education. Tahirah was featured in a Frito-lay commercial that aired during the Fifa Women’s World Cup, has traveled to over 15 countries, and she’s obsessed with fresh fruit & dark chocolate!
Tanya V.

Yorba Linda, California
Tanya V is a high school senior from Orange County, California. She served as the SoCal Coalition Leader for two years and is excited for this new role as Youth Advisor! She is passionate about representation of women in STEM as well as its intersection with reproductive rights and justice. She loves to play tennis in her free time and travel with her family!

2024-2025 Coalition Leaders

Leaders

Jordan S.

New England Coalition
Jordan S is a student at Harvard University where she studies Mathematics and Psychology. She documents her life and promotes college and career readiness to her TikTok audience of over 140,000 students. Outside of class, she uses spoken word poetry to advocate for climate justice and women in STEM. She is the reigning Miss Cambridge and is using her year to ensure young people have a sustainable future they look forward to being a part of.
Caroline S.

New England Coalition
Hi! My name is Caroline S, I am from Burlington, Massachusetts and I attend Salem State University also located in Mass. I am a current freshman studying Biology with a minor in Italian Language and Culture. I am passionate about representing female representation in sports and STEM! My favorite movie is Little Women (2019) and a fun fact about me is that I am a part of my school’s hip hop dance ensemble.
Isabella K.

North Atlantic Coalition
Isabella (Izzy) K is a high school junior from Ridgewood, New Jersey. She is passionate about disability discrimination. A fun fact about Izzy is that she was born on New Year’s Day!
Lulu G.

North Atlantic Coalition
Lulu G is a seventeen year old high school junior at Trinity School in NYC. She has been involved with Girl Up since 2018, first as a leader of her school’s club, then the Communications Director of the New York City executive board, and now a co-lead of the North Atlantic Coalition. Lulu is very passionate about menstrual equity, and founded her own organization, Global ME, dedicated to helping school-aged girls in NYC and the MENA region receive easy access to menstrual products. In her free time, Lulu is enjoys photography, painting, baking, and acting, and playing sports, including basketball and lacrosse!
Ivy G.

North Atlantic Coalition
Ivy G is a sophomore at Boston University, originally from New York City. She is passionate about gender equity and creating both safe spaces and resources for young girls and women. Ivy loves to indulge in creative pursuits in her free time such as writing poetry, doing watercolor painting, and attending galleries throughout the very vibrant art scene in NYC.
Elsa B.

Mid-Atlantic Coalition
Elsa B is a high school junior from Washington, DC. She is passionate about exploring the connections between gender equity and environmental justice. Elsa has an adorable goldendoodle named Waffles, a demented cat named Steve, and a moderate to severe cookie addiction.
England M.

Mid-Atlantic Coalition
EEngland M is a freshman at American University in D.C. As a Nigerian-American and native of Atlanta, Georgia, her environment and culture has driven her to pursue her passion in the intersection of race, gender and culture as she sees it as an avenue to tackle many issues where minority demographics are underrepresented. Her favorite genres of music are Afro-beats and R&B while some of her favorite activities include socializing, public speaking and baking!
Denia S.

Mid-Atlantic Coalition
Denia S is a nationally recognized activist, grassroots organizer, and public speaker from Belle Mead, New Jersey. A junior at American University studying political science and African American studies, Smith’s work focuses on racial and gender equity in legal systems, education justice, menstrual equity, and voter protection. Smith has been involved in Girl Up for three years, serving as a Global Teen Advisor (’21 – ’22) and the Co-Coalition Leader of Girl Up DMV. In her free time, Smith enjoys hiking, journaling, and exploring new restaurants.
Chetana M.

South Coalition
Chetana M is a college Sophomore from Tampa, Florida. She currently attends Nova Southeastern University on the pre-med track and is a passionate student researcher, community and global health advocate, and boba lover! She has three goats, loves using her jetski license to its full capacity, and enjoys a riveting game of speed chess.
Arisha S.

South Coalition
Arisha S— Rishi for short— is a high school junior from Shreveport, LA. She is passionate about period poverty, feminine health advocacy, and female representation in STEM fields! She loves to bring her interests in graphic design and scientific research together in her advocacy whenever possible. One fun fact about her: she is a proud cat lady and loves her pets!
Nishita K.

Rocky Mountain Coalition
Nishita K is a high school senior from Aurora, Colorado. She is passionate about female representation in business related fields, menstrual health education, and entrepreneurship. Nishita loves going to the beach and her favorite food is chicken tacos.
Amanda M.

Rocky Mountain Coalition
Amanda M is a junior at Clark High School in Las Vegas, NV. She is passionate about mental health advocacy in young women and teens, especially in relation to how physical and virtual environments affect social interaction as they grow up. Amanda also knows every song by The Smiths, and loves all things coquette and pink! <3
Elin A.

Midwest Coalition
Elin A is a high school junior from Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She is passionate about mental health destigmatization and reproductive healthcare. In her free time, Elin is a competitive dancer and plays the clarinet in her school’s band. She also loves to crochet, watch old musicals, and hang out with her goldendoodle, Wally.
Willow M.

Southwest Coalition
Willow M is a rising freshman in college passionate about female representation in technology and finance. She currently serves as a Deputy Director of Finance at Climate Cardinals and is a Women In Tech Teen Winner for her work in computer science.
Divya N.

Southwest Coalition
Divya N is an incoming high school senior from Gilbert, Arizona. She has been a part of Girl Up for 5 years. Divya is extremely passionate about gender equality in women’s education and entrepreneurship. She loves to travel and her favorite TV show is The Office! Divya is happy to continue her work with Girl Up and is excited for all that is in store for the new year!
Lana N.

Southwest Coalition
Lana N (she/her) is a sophomore from Houston, Texas, and she is passionate about creating positive change in her community by empowering girls to use their voices against societal injustice. Lana believes in the importance of intersectional advocacy that emphasizes the diversification of perspectives, uplifting a more inclusive and accepting world for minorities and marginalized groups. She is passionate about decreasing the gender gap in STEM and raising awareness for women’s reproductive rights. Lana spearheads her city’s Girl Up chapter, Girl Up Houston, and in her free time, she dabbles in filmmaking with a love for graphic design!
Olivia H.

Pacific Coast Coalition
Olivia H is a high school sophomore from Los Angeles, California. She is passionate about the support of women in male dominated workplaces as well as in sports. Olivia loves playing competitive tennis, learning about business, and reading! She also loves pasta and dumplings, especially when making it with her family!
Rania P

Pacific Coast Coalition
Rania P is a high school junior from Los Angeles, California. She is passionate about promoting female representation in all aspects of life, whether it’s her academic pursuits or her dedication to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she strives to empower women. Beyond her personal interests, Rania actively engages in pre-registering teenage girls to vote in the USA, advocating for menstrual equity, and raising awareness about period poverty. As a Palestinian-Ecuadorian American, she enjoys to embrace her intercultural heritage through music, with an appreciation for cultural dances like belly dancing and merengue.
Joy Z.

Pacific Coast Coalition
Joy Z is a current high school junior from San Mateo, California in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is passionate about reproductive justice, bridging gender gaps in STEM and beyond, and computer science for social good. In her free time, Joy enjoys creative writing, crochet, and spending time with her (very spoiled) cat.
Jenny Z.

Pacific Coast Coalition
Jenny Z is a graduating high school senior from Los Angeles, California. In her four years of involvement in Girl Up, Jenny Zheng’s advocacy has focused on promoting girls’ right to education and menstrual equity. Outside of Girl Up, she is a portrait and event photographer and enjoys cafe hopping with friends:)

The GIRL UP TEEN ADVISOR PROGRAM is a year-long, rigorous training for youth leaders looking to scale their impact and become advisors to a global organization. Selected participants will serve as advisors to Girl Up, participate in professional development training and take actions to enhance gender justice worldwide.

Every year we receive hundreds of applications from leaders around the world. This year we plan to select 10-12 young leaders, making the Teen Advisory Board highly competitive.

Girl Up’s Board of Teen Advisors are a culturally and globally diverse group of passionate changemakers who together spread and fuel our work, ensuring we stay authentic to our mission and bring the voice of this generation to the forefront.

Since its inception in 2010, more than 220 girls have gone through this global program. Collectively, Girl Up Teen Advisors have raised more than $500,000, completed more than 7,000 hours of community service, hosted hundreds of events in their communities around the world and performed thousands of advocacy actions at local, national, and global levels. They have also represented Girl Up on some of the world’s biggest stages, been integrated in critical global moments, and featured in some of the top media publications.

APPLY BY JANUARY 26

2025-2026 Teen Advisor Responsibilities:

The 2025-2026 Teen Advisor Board will serve a one-year term from March 2025 – February 2026. Teen Advisor must commit at least 10 hours per month to their role.

During their tenure, Teen Advisors will –

Complete Girl Up’s Teen Advisor Curriculum;

Attend two-hour, virtual meetings every month (typically held on second Sunday of the month from 10 AM – 12 PM EST);

Commit to Girl Up’s collaborative accountability approach;

Serve on technical committees to work directly with Girl Up staff on programmatic, strategic, and operational deliverables;

Serve as a representative for Girl Up in public spaces (digital and in-person), as relevant and/or requested.

Engage with Girl Up’s online community and co-create content for Girl Up’s social media platforms;

Advise on Girl Up’s partners and programs

To acknowledge the key role Teen Advisors have in the Girl Up movement as dedicated volunteers, Girl Up is committed to offering the following benefits and opportunities to those selected:

An honorarium for leaders’ time and efforts;

The opportunity to attend and/or speak at Girl Up, UN Foundation, or other events, identified as opportunities arise;

A certificate and/or letter of recognition from Girl Up and the UN Foundation upon successful completion of a one-year term;

The opportunity to receive direct mentorship from a Girl Up staff member;

The opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders, such as Girl Up leadership, school officials, global experts, funding partners, and more; and

In order to apply, candidates must meet all the following criteria:

Must be between the ages of 13-17 at the start of their tenure

Must currently be enrolled in high school/secondary school, and still attending high school/secondary school until at least May 2026

Must identify as a girl, woman, or gender non-confirming youth

Must be fluent and comfortable speaking English

Must have participated in Girl Up programming in the past (for example: be involved in a club or local initiative, attend a WiSci camp or leadership summit, be part of our online community, etc).

What does the application include?

Five short-answer questions (suggested limit: 50 words each)

Three essay responses (suggested limit: 250 words each)

A one-minute video (or a 100-word essay alternative if video recording isn’t an option)

As a proud Girl Up alum, I’m thrilled to share insights from my experience with the organization and program applications. Let’s dive into my tips to help you succeed!

SHORT ANSWERS

Please explain your involvement with Girl Up to date.

If you have participated in a Girl Up Club, don’t forget to include the Club name and your title, and describe your responsibilities.

If you have attended a Girl Up event or bootcamp, don’t forget to include its name and date of your participation.

Mention your most relevant Club activities, quantifying achievements with numbers. This can include (but isn’t limited to) educational sessions, film screenings, fundraisers, awareness campaigns, service projects, and meetings with local decision makers, and events.

What are the top 1-3 areas of your life where you see yourself as a leader (e.g. sports discipline, school activity, community activity, family activity, etc.) and how do you show up as a leader?

Identify Leadership Roles: Choose specific examples where you’ve taken on a leadership role (e.g., sports team captain, student council member, community volunteer, family responsibilities, cultural or faith-based leadership).

Describe How You Lead: Provide concrete examples of your leadership actions (e.g., organizing events, mentoring peers, advocating for change). Highlight challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Showcase Leadership Impact: Share how your leadership benefited others or created change. Include measurable outcomes or achievements (e.g., “led a campaign that raised $2,000” or “mentored three younger students”).

What two personal values are most important to you and why?

Choose the two values that are most important to you (e.g., honesty, empathy, perseverance, equality, etc).

For each value, briefly describe why it’s important to you and how it guides your actions or decisions.

Share specific moments or experiences where you demonstrated each value in your life. Show how these values have shaped who you are today.

Connect your personal values to your leadership style or how they help you make an impact in your community or in other areas of your life.

What do you think is the strongest personal asset or technical skill you have as an advocate?

Your personal asset or technical skill can include (but is not limited to) organizing, advocacy, fundraising, or storytelling.

Provide a specific example of how you used this asset or skill to create meaningful change or make an impact.

Highlight the outcomes of your efforts, such as increased awareness or funds raised.

Is there anything else you want to make sure we know about you as we review this application?

This space is open for you to share anything else that you think is important for us to know about you.

It is not mandatory to fill this section, however, if there is something important about you that you believe can’t be shown in the above questions- you can share it here!

ESSAYS

What is one specific social justice issue you are passionate about? What have you personally done to address it?

Social justice issues are the ones linked to the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.

Share a personal story of when and why you advocated for an issue. Explain which issue it was, why it matters to you, and the actions you took.

Describe the outcomes of your advocacy. For example, did you inspire others to take action or create tangible change in your community?

What is one goal – academic, personal, or otherwise – that you would like to achieve in 2025 and why?

Choose any goal – big or small – as long as you explain why this goal is important to you and how it aligns with your values or aspirations.

Share how you plan to work toward achieving it, including any specific actions or strategies you will take.

How would you describe your leadership style in one word? Tell us about a time when you demonstrated your leadership style.

A good way to think about this question is to think of what your friends or peers would say (e.g., collaborative, supportive, visionary, etc).

Share a specific example where you demonstrated this leadership style. Describe the situation, your actions, and how your leadership approach made an impact.

Reflect on the outcomes and how your leadership style contributed to the success or learning from the experience.

VIDEO

What about your community (any way you define it, e.g. school, neighborhood, faith, culture, etc.) brings you the most joy and how has that influenced you?

Describe what specifically brings you joy within that community (e.g., support, shared values, cultural events, or meaningful connections).

Explain how this community has influenced you personally. Has it shaped your values, passions, or actions? Share a personal story or example that highlights this influence.

Replay your video afterward to double-check the sound and video quality, as well as your delivery.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I have a deadline extension?

Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications we receive we are unable to offer application extensions. Please ensure you submit your application by January 26.

Is the application only available in English?

Yes, the application is only available in English.

What tips do you have for applicants?

Be your authentic self and aim to be both precise and concise. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself and please refrain from using answers generated from AI.

How will the application be evaluated?

Girl Up is looking for leaders who demonstrate:

Commitment to global gender justice

Leadership potential and a drive to make change

Proven impact in their communities

Ability to Innovate
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Do I need to be a member of the Girl Up community to apply?

Yes, you need to have some level of prior involvement with Girl Up to apply.

I am not a U.S Citizen or resident, can I still apply?

Girl Up welcomes citizens from every country to apply, however, please note Girl Up’s Award and Honorarium policy on the last page of the application.

I am experiencing technical difficulties with the application (e.g. I can’t log in to my application, etc.) How do I fix this?

For all technical questions and support please email awards@girlup.org and help@mykaleidoscope.com.

What if I have more questions?

Please email awards@girlup.org.

APPLY NOW

This past September, the world turned its attention to two major United Nations events: the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the inaugural Summit of the Future. These gatherings brought together world leaders, activists, and visionaries to take stock and address critical global issues, from gender equality and peacebuilding to climate action and digital innovation. Girl Up leaders and staff were not only present at both but took center stage, raising their voices for gender justice and spearheading meaningful change.

With simultaneous activations across New York City and online, Girl Up’s youth leaders made their mark at every step, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of girls and young women were heard loud and clear. Whether through youth-led panels, strategic partnerships, or digital campaigns reaching millions, Girl Up was there, demanding a seat at the table and fighting for a more equitable, sustainable future.

Here’s a look back at some of the key moments and activations Girl Up led during these transformative global events.

Summit of the Future

On September 22-23, the United Nations hosted the Summit of the Future, gathering world leaders to create a new international framework for a more equitable present and a sustainable future. Girl Up leaders seized this opportunity to demand gender justice and push for meaningful change. Here’s a look at some of the inspiring actions they spearheaded.

Action Days

Girl Up leaders Valeria, Eylül, and Sofia participated in the two Action Days (September 20-21) in leading up to the Summit of the Future. The event kicked off with a dedicated, youth-led afternoon followed by a Saturday program which focused on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing.

It’s crucial to remind world leaders that funding directly impacts young people’s lives, and gender equality should never be treated as a secondary priority.
Valeria, Girl Up Global Advisory board member

Power In Her Voice

Hosted by the United Nations Foundation’s Unlock at the Ford Foundation, Power In Her Voice kicked off the Action Days on October 20. Girl Up Board Member Valeria sat on a panel of experts discussing the undeniable power of women and girls to shift the outcomes of ongoing crises and what they need from their communities to do so. Former Girl Up Regional Leader for Eurasia Alua presented her video game to promote and enhance women’s and maternal healthcare to a room of leaders and funders, including the Danish representative to the UN—newly elected to the Security Council–and the US Special Envoy to Afghanistan for Women and Girls Affairs.

What Girls Want

Despite the promises of the Summit of the Future and the Action Days, there was a lack of meaningful participation of girls and youth in the actual decision-making mechanisms. For far too long, decisions have been made without the input of girls and young women. The What Girls Want campaign boldly called out for this exclusion, urging world leaders to listen, highlighting demands that girls and young women have voiced repeatedly over the last decade. These demands aren’t just ideals—they are essential steps for securing a fairer future for all.

Here are their 12 powerful demands:

End inequality and discrimination
Invest in gender-sensitive policies
Fund girls’ activism and initiatives
Codify girls’ rights into law
Ensure girls’ decision-making power
Strengthen accountability at every level
Combat climate change with sustainable practices
Guarantee reproductive justice
Provide full, quality education for all
Build peaceful, inclusive societies
Ensure freedom from violence
Deliver economic justice for women and girls

Refusing to remain silent while decisions are made without them, 15 Girl Up leaders and numerous fearless youth advocates from other girl-serving organizations took a stand outside of the United Nations headquarters in New York. With Malala Yousafzai by their side, Girl Up alum Rebecca and Teen Advisor Eylül delivered a powerful message: girls and young women must be active co-creators of the future, not passive spectators.

The time has long passed for girls and young women like me to be treated as mere afterthoughts or last-minute considerations. World leaders have a crucial responsibility to include us in the foundational design of these processes […] Anything less is unacceptable.
Eylül, girl up teen advisor

Together with Girl Up, Malala Fund, She’s The First, and 20 other girl-centered organizations, What Girls Want digital campaign reached over 4 million people across social media.

Once Upon a Future

The United Nations Foundation organized a global streaming event with a cast of creators, influencers, and experts to unpack the Summit, the Pact for the Future, and the issues we care about.

Girl Up leaders Tahirah, Lulu, Zehra, Jayna, and Rebecca took part in the Once Upon a Future campaign, which invites youth to envision what New York could look like 50 years from now and encourages them to take action today for a shared and sustainable future.

Feminist Future Festival

Running parallel to the UN Summit of the Future, the Feminist Future Festival was a powerful feminist-led event that brought together advocates for gender justice. Held both virtually and in-person in New York City, the festival featured inspiring speakers, dynamic workshops, and a vibrant community of changemakers.

Girl Up leaders were in attendance, participating in discussions and amplifying the voices of young women from around the world. With opportunities to network, engage with thought leaders, and celebrate feminist achievements, the festival underscored the vital role of feminist leadership in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.

Together for a Period Friendly World

In collaboration with WASH United, P&G, Changing Our World, UNICEF, the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, Days for Girls, PSI, and The Case for Her, Girl Up co-hosted the Together for a Period Friendly World event during UNGA week. The event underscored the critical role of menstrual health and hygiene in advancing girls’ education, women’s health, economic empowerment, and global development.

Girl Up staff member Sofía shared her experience combating period poverty in Chile, highlighting strategies to scale efforts from local initiatives to national impact.

Global Citizen Festival

On September 28, 10 Girl Up leaders and Girl Up staff members Carol and Priestley volunteered for the Global Citizen Festival at Central Park in New York City. The event brought together artists like Post Malone and Doja Cat, activists, heads of state, and 60,000 attendees for a day of music and advocacy to fight extreme poverty and climate change.

Unlock The Future

Hosted by the United Nations Foundation, Girl Up is proud to be part of Unlock The Future, a coalition with a 5-year action plan to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals by increasing and streamlining direct youth funding. Girl Up’s Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Kilby, was in attendance and joined by Girl Up leaders, Valeria and Alua official members of Unlock’s youth advisory committee On October 25, at the height of UNGA, UNF announced Unlock’s Funders Collective that brings together 25 of the largest youth-serving organizations and funders.

Girl Up is excited to be a part of the Unlock Coalition to simplify and expedite direct funding for youth around the world. It is high time that our actions match our promises to bet on our youth to lead us towards a more just and more equitable future. As part of Unlock’s Incubation Team, Girl Up will ensure youth sit at the head of the table during these important dialogues.
Melissa Kilby, Girl Up CEO

To keep up with all the incredible ways Girl Up leaders are fundraising, organizing, storytelling, and advocating around gender justice beyond UNGA week, follow Girl Up on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook.

Girl Up Gender Justice Scholarship

Girl Up is a youth-centered leadership initiative focusing on equity for girls and women in spaces where they are unheard or underrepresented. We believe when girls, youth and women are in positions of influence, they work to create a more just equitable space for everyone.

Girl Up aims to support its network of youth participants around the world through financial awards, honorariums, and scholarships. Girl Up knows that investing in girls means investing in the healthy future of a community, and we are proud to host the 2024 Scholarship Fund. The Girl Up Gender Justice Scholarship Fund is currently accepting applications and seeking changemakers that are making an impact in their community. Each scholarship is $2500 USD and will go directly to the scholarship winner’s university.

For questions regarding the scholarship while applying, please email awards@girlup.org.

Candidate-se agora

Girl Up STEAM for Social Good Scholarship

Girls and women continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. At Girl Up, we are bridging the gender gap in these fields by inspiring our youth leaders to use STEAM skills to create solutions to problems in their communities. That’s STEAM for Social Good. The 2024 STEAM for Social Good Scholarship Fund is proudly supported by Noble Panacea. Each scholarship is $2500 USD and will go directly to the scholarship winner’s university.

The 2024 Girl Up STEAM for Social Good Scholarship honors young leaders’ commitment to making the world a better place through STEAM for every girl, everywhere.

The Girl Up STEAM for Social Good Scholarship is seeking changemakers that are making an impact and could identify with one of the following:

Studying or pursuing a STEAM related field; OR
Contributing to STEAM related events in their communities or to the STEAM field in some way; and
*Please see below qualifications section for further qualifications

Candidate-se agora

Qualifications for the 2024 Scholarship Fund

Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a college/university or technical school by January of 2025 (Full-time students can include master’s and/or graduate candidates as long as within the Girl Up age range clarified in the bullet below). Proof of enrollment will be requested in application.

Must be between the age range of 13-24 years old;
The applicant’s university/college must be able to accept check or ACH, electronic payments within the Automated Clearing House network, transfer in US dollars (please check with your university/colleges financial aid office for more information in advance of applying); and
The applicant is seeking disbursement for January of 2025 forward

Our Scholarship program welcomes all young women, including cis and trans young women. We recognize and acknowledge the intersection of gender identities.

Girl Up welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic background, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

What are the expectations of the scholarship if I’m selected?

You agree to complete a project or event in your community and to report your project/event back to the Girl Up team 6 months after receiving your scholarship. For STEAM Scholarship recipients, the project or event should be STEAM-related.
You agree to submit an annual survey to the Girl Up Team sharing how you act as a global gender justice activist in your community;
You agree to submit all necessary payment information to ensure successful scholarship disbursement and to follow all Girl Up award policies as outlined post acceptance; and
You agree to share your story for Girl Up social media, website, and any other publication.

When is the deadline?

The deadline to submit applications is September 18, 2024 at 12:00 AM ET

What does the scholarship aopplication consist of/ask for?

The application consists of:

Biographical and demographic information
Additional Information and Finacial Support: The application will ask for the names and amounts of any other merit-based or need-based financial aid that you are currently receiving or will receive in the 2024-2025 year
Current Enrollment Information: The application will ask for proof of enrollment. This can be a current transcript, acceptance letter, or university ID.
Responses to 3 to 4 questions in written, video, and/or audio form.

How will the application be evaluated?

Selection criteria will include:

Demonstrated commitment to global gender justice and/or STEAM, including but not limited to participation in initiatives, projects, and organizations that promote gender justice and/or advance STEAM education and opportunities, highlighting the applicant’s passion and contributions in these areas
Leadership potential, including but not limited to participation in leadership roles, demonstrated decision-making skills, and the interest to drive positive change
Community Involvement and social impact, including but not limited to volunteering, participating in local projects, and working with organizations to address impactful issues
Educational goals and aspirations, including but not limited to future plans for education and how the applicant’s academic goals align with her long-term ambitions
Applicants’ background (financial need, socio-economic status, etc.)

When will applicants be notified?

Applicants will be notified in September/October of 2024

When will scholarship funds be distributed?

Depending on each applicant’s school payment deadline, the scholarship disbursement of $2500 USD will begin in January 2025 and continue through March 2025. Please note that while you are accepted in September/October of 2024 this later disbursement in January of 2025.

I am experiencing technical difficulties. Who should I reach out to?

Email awards@girlup.org

Girl Up STEAM for Social Good Scholarships are funded by

Tempo de leitura estimado: 7 minutos

Trigger Warning: Mentions of harassment and child sexual abuse

Every June, people commemorate Pride Month worldwide: A time to celebrate the progress made by sexual and gender minorities rights movements and acknowledge the ongoing struggles the community faces. This month, venturing across the border, Girl Up India had the privilege of engaging in an insightful conversation with Pakistani activist and social entrepreneur – Saro Imran. This interview captures how her experience as a transgender woman in Pakistan led her to build a life free of economic barriers for all girls and women and the importance of championing the voices of sexual and gender minorities all year round.

Can you take us back to what got you started on your leadership journey?

Being a trans kid in Pakistan was not easy. There was constant bullying, discrimination, and harassment, and I was a victim of child sexual abuse. Moreover, there was no safe space or anyone to share my experiences with. The worst incident occurred when I was around 15 or 16, and I became the victim of a mob attack. They used physical violence as a form of conversion therapy, intending to ‘correct’ me. I was badly injured and spent two long years in trauma, confined to a dark room, unable to feel anything – no happiness, or sadness. Ultimately, I promised myself that I would not remain a victim or merely a survivor but become a fighter for my rights and justice, as well as for other transgender persons who cannot raise their voices. This determination led me to start working as a volunteer with a local organization, and that’s how my leadership journey began.

I promised myself that I would not remain a victim or merely a survivor but become a fighter for my rights and justice, as well as for other transgender persons who cannot raise their voices.

Can you tell us more about the vision and mission of the Pink Center?

First of all, I completed my master’s in philosophy and business management, specializing in entrepreneurship and my thesis delved into the challenges and opportunities faced by Pakistani entrepreneurs. Moreover, since I started working in 2013, I have become acutely aware of the prevalent human rights violations against transgender individuals, particularly transgender women, in my country and how they often stem from their financial dependence on potential abusers, be it partners, family, or friends. While strides have been made in advocating for social rights, economic justice for transgender women remains a neglected domain, especially in regions like the Global South, including Pakistan.

In 2020, I came up with the idea of establishing a platform dedicated to promoting the economic empowerment of transgender women, and Pink Center was born. This initiative aims to not only provide them with financial freedom but also to equip them with the tools necessary for sustainable socio-economic development. By leveraging entrepreneurship as a catalyst, we seek to foster their capacity to contribute meaningfully to both national and global economies, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

In a world that’s often so cruel to queer, specifically trans people, how can we build spaces that can champion the voices of sexual and gender minorities?

One significant issue is the exclusion of a majority of transgender individuals, mainly due to accessibility barriers such as language differences. It’s essential to recognize that countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal are more than just their capital cities; they encompass diverse geographical regions. However, we often overlook this fact, assuming that reaching Islamabad means reaching the entirety of Pakistan. The reality is that a significant portion of the population resides outside metropolitan areas.

Geographical justice is crucial in ensuring that resources and support reach marginalized communities effectively. Currently, the bulk of resources from donors are concentrated in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, leaving out the majority of transgender individuals living in non-metropolitan regions. To address this disparity, there must be a concerted effort to integrate grassroots communities by taking small steps like recognizing that English shouldn’t be the sole medium of communication.

By enhancing the skills and capabilities of individuals, particularly those in marginalized groups, we can ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

Capacity building is another vital aspect of empowering communities. By enhancing the skills and capabilities of individuals, particularly those in marginalized groups, we can ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Also, fostering knowledge exchange and learning between countries is important for effecting global change. By adopting a win-win approach and working together across borders, we can drive long-term positive transformations on a global scale.

Data suggests that between 2013-2017, Sexual and Gender Minorities movements worldwide received $1.2 billion, while the anti-gender movement received $3.7 billion. In such a context, what strategies can we employ to strengthen the rights of women and sexual and gender minorities?

Firstly, it’s important to note that the anti-gender movements don’t rely solely on international funding. They often draw support from local resources, leveraging cultural and religious sentiments to oppose progressive policies. For example, Pakistan passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights), Act in 2018, a significant step towards recognizing transgender individuals based on self-perceived gender identity. However, right-wing political parties challenged this law in the country’s highest Islamic court, claiming it goes against cultural and religious values. They received substantial funding and spread propaganda against the law, leading to a significant backlash.

Community-based groups, especially those led by transgender individuals, face hurdles in registering and accessing donor funds due to strict protocols and documentation requirements. To address these issues, there’s a crucial need for capacity-building and resource mobilization strategies within the transgender, queer, and feminist movements. Integrating transgender rights within the broader feminist movement has shown promise, with many feminist organizations and activists offering support.

Despite ongoing struggles, there have been positive developments in Pakistan, such as the integration of transgender individuals into the police force as victim support officers and the establishment of job portals for transgender people. Ultimately, achieving meaningful change requires a multifaceted approach involving community empowerment, societal shifts, and proactive measures from public and private entities. It’s a collective endeavor to promote inclusion, equal rights, and justice for transgender individuals and marginalized communities as a whole.

It’s a collective endeavor to promote inclusion, equal rights, and justice for transgender individuals and marginalized communities as a whole.

If you could think of an ideal world, what does that world look like for you?

My ideal world would be one where every transgender individual is granted equal rights and unfettered access to justice, alongside the equitable distribution of social rights and financial resources. Currently, there’s a concerning trend of dependency on grants and NGOs for sustenance. To counter this, sustainable models must be developed to foster community self-sufficiency beyond the scope of short-term projects. Genuine empowerment shouldn’t rely solely on donor funding; rather, it should serve as a catalyst for communities to autonomously assert their rights, pursue justice, and achieve sustainable socio-economic progress. This shift towards sustainable empowerment ensures that transgender individuals are not only recipients of aid but active participants in shaping their futures, independent of external assistance.

This Pride Month, what message would you like to send to young queer and trans kids out there navigating their identities and their place in this world?

It requires immense courage and inner strength to navigate the journey of discovering one’s identity. To all young individuals, especially those who identify as transgender, I urge you not to feel guilty about your gender identity; instead, wear it as a badge of honor.

Meaningful and sustainable change always originates from the grassroots level. It’s about taking small, incremental steps rather than expecting overnight transformations. Initiating change within your immediate surroundings—be it your home, classrooms, neighborhoods, or workplaces—is where the process begins. These micro-level changes, although gradual, have the power to catalyze broader societal shifts, eventually influencing national and global landscapes.

It requires immense courage and inner strength to navigate the journey of discovering one’s identity. To all young individuals, especially those who identify as transgender, I urge you not to feel guilty about your gender identity; instead, wear it as a badge of honor.

So, don’t underestimate the impact of your actions within your personal sphere. By fostering acceptance and understanding within your immediate environment, you’re laying the groundwork for larger-scale change. Remember, every step, regardless of how small, contributes to the greater journey towards equality and inclusivity for all.

Esta entrevista foi editada para maior duração e clareza.

Follow Girl Up India for more conversations on global feminist issues with the world’s most influential changemakers as a part of our ongoing series “Feminists Across Borders” on Instagram.

To read this piece in Spanish, click here!

This piece was originally published on Aunt Flow.

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Platforms and stages to share stories and express advocacy do not always come around easily, but when they do, there is great power and responsibility in the words we decide to use. As a Regional Leader for Europe and Central Asia with Girl Up UN Foundation, I hope to continue using these opportunities to share collective narratives and drive awareness toward urgent discourse occurring around us. But before that, I am Sri Lankan; I am responsible for using my privilege and access to opportunities to guide people with me to the table. Period stigma took shape well before it even became a coined term and I hope to dismantle some of these biases.

What is Period Stigma?

Stigma has always been a feeling for me, undefined – just a pure state of emotion. These feelings of unease, discomfort and self-doubt around my period have been around long before I knew that there was one word defining it for me. But hey, that’s one girl’s opinion. Nonetheless, period stigma holds the shameful stereotype of menstruation being a concept of dirtiness in which its concept is tied by political, social, cultural and economic mindsets and beliefs. Hit a little too close to home? Well, allow me to go one further.

Why is it Important That We Address Period Stigma?

Simply put, not having these conversations is a major factor holding girls and women back. We have a responsibility as men, women and members of our communities to normalize these words and discussions. The thought of whispering ‘I’ve got my period’ when I was 13 to some of my girlfriends in school is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone else. Unfortunately, the world is not wired the same, and we hold a responsibility to address the stigma because cracking down on these stereotypes will allow girls and women to grow in a society from which they do not need to hide.

With Aunt Flow, I hope to explore not only the impact of period stigma and how, as Girl Up leaders, we hope to tackle it; more crucially, I hope to bring a few Girl Up leaders of color center-stage and bring their stories to light.

Understanding Period Stigma + Its Impact

Maria J.P., Girl Up Mexico

Maria J. P. from Girl Up Mexico shares her cultural narrative with period stigma and how it influences attitudes towards menstruation in Mexico:

“I am originally from Southern Mexico, in a small state called Tabasco on the border with Guatemala. Growing up in a small town made me realize how a conservative ecosystem can affect your health, especially if you are a girl. Menstruation was seen as a “problem” that girls had to deal with in silence. Taking out a sanitary pad or getting blood on yourself in class was cause for ridicule and shame. It was expected that, no matter how you felt physically, you would participate in extensive and demanding physical education activities. This is because teachers and students said that we as women have to “adapt” to an established system, even if it was not designed for us. The educational system was not designed to include menstrual health classes because it was perceived as something very “scandalous” for children. In a country where access to education is a privilege, obtaining menstrual and reproductive health courses was unthinkable. This meant that the girls most affected were those from rural and indigenous communities.

Growing up in that environment, one of the most important things for me was that the union between girls was always present. We were raised so that menstruating was a secret and synonymous with shame, but among girls, we always found our safe place.
Maria j.p.

In Mexico, one of the most important complications in accessing menstrual products was high prices, mainly for girls from local and low-income communities. Only in 2022 was the 16% tax law on menstrual hygiene products eliminated; however, this was only the first step to guaranteeing quality menstrual health for all women. Last year was historic for Mexican women due to the approval of two initiatives that seek to reform a federal law so that two days a month of pay are granted to working women and menstruating people who have disabling dysmenorrhea. These changes represent the results of years of struggle by the feminist movement. However, this did not prevent violent comments and ridicule from being generated by the opposition, mainly men, expressing that there should be no “preferences” towards women due to the issue of menstruation.”

Maria J. P., Youth Activist, Girl Up Mexico Leader, Founder of EduHer

Lavanya M., Girl Up UK

Lavanya M. from Girl Up UK shares her perspective on the social consequences of having periods and how period stigma in South Asia can affect relationships and interactions:

“In my South Asian upbringing, menstruation was surrounded by confusion. Culturally it was celebrated as a significant milestone when a girl had her first period. A grand party, similar to a wedding, was thrown in her honor, with extended family members and friends in attendance. However, once menstruation becomes a monthly occurrence, it is shrouded in secrecy. Girls are discouraged from discussing their discomfort or pain openly. Additionally, they are forbidden from participating in religious practices, perhaps stemming from the historical association of menstruation with impurity and dirtiness. These ingrained practices persist today, largely unquestioned. However, through education, our beliefs have evolved, yet some traditions endure. This is exactly why I think we need to continue to have open conversations about menstruation. These conversations spark awareness, foster empathy, dismantle stigma, and ultimately pave the way for meaningful change.”

Lavanya M., Co-Founder of Girl Up London, UK

Salma J., Girl Up Uk

Salma J. from Girl Up UK offers her insights into the economic implications when access to menstrual products and healthcare services is limited:

“The importance of access to period products is often overlooked due to the topic of ‘periods’ being a taboo. In many developing countries, they often lack the money to be able to afford period products and often would have to resort to unhygienic alternatives. In the UK itself, due to the cost of living crisis, it was reported that 63% of women are already unable to afford the products they require to manage their periods (bloody good periods). This is a problem as alternatives and lack of hygiene would increase the chance of getting infections, which can be very dangerous and present many complications to women and girls. Access to period products should be part of our rights as a human being, yet many women are unable to get access to it due to these economic barriers. Since it’s considered taboo to talk about our periods, many women and girls are also not able to voice this concern or address the problem, which would lead to most of them having to struggle silently. Going forward, for us to progress, I believe the topic of periods should be destigmatised and should be open to conversation to address these economic barriers so no woman or girl has to silently struggle with it.”

Salma J., Co-Founder of Girl Up London, UK

Breaking the Silence: Initiatives + Movements

Efforts to address, manage, reduce and end period stigma is a constant but determined battle. From community fundraising to national awareness to global advocacy, people around the world, representing different demographics, are leading and paving the way towards ending period stigma. Within these efforts are Girl Up youth leaders taking initiatives to help provide more equitable access to period products, providing platforms to share stories and fundraise.

Tehani C.P., Girl Up New England

Tehani C. P. from Girl Up New England shares her experiences towards addressing period stigma and her journey in advocacy:

“From Sri Lanka to the New England region, my journey with Girl Up has been fueled by a desire to empower girls and shatter the silence surrounding period stigma. As a woman of color, I understand the cultural and economic barriers that exacerbate this issue, both in my home country and across the globe. In Sri Lanka, where I volunteered with Zonta and Interact, I witnessed firsthand the impact of period shame. Through the “Butterfly Effect Project,” we tackled mental health awareness and integrated sex education, breaking down taboos and providing crucial information. Additionally, at “Better Me More,” a girls’ empowerment event, I helped organize and raise funds for sanitary napkins for female patients at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Joining the Girl Up New England Coalition opened new avenues for advocacy. Witnessing the passing of the “I AM BILL,” which combats period poverty in Massachusetts, was a powerful demonstration of youth-led change. The MA Senate passing this was a historic marker for Massachusetts feminist policy. Our current focus on destigmatizing periods resonated deeply, and it has been exciting to contribute to this crucial conversation. However, it is important to understand that our fight doesn’t stop at regional borders. The plight of women and girls in Gaza, where access to menstrual hygiene products is severely limited, deeply moved me. Therefore, this year’s Summit on Menstrual Equity has chosen to fundraise for this community, which I am so proud of.

This year, I’m contributing to the Girl Up Leadership Summit, collaborating on a presentation on legislative advocacy for menstrual equity. We even secured a speaker to share insights on the “I AM BILL,” showcasing the impact of local action on a global stage.”

Girl Up provides a global platform to amplify our voices and challenge discriminatory norms. Together, we are raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and supporting initiatives that provide access to menstrual hygiene products. We are creating a world where girls can menstruate with dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. This is not just about periods; it’s about equality, inclusion, and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential. This is the fight we wage together, one period story at a time!
Tehani C.P.

Empowering Change

The empowerment of girls and women, in my opinion, has grown to define and redefine who we choose to be in a world that is constantly changing. This means mindsets need to change too, and it should start with us; if we think that we deserve to be treated equally despite the biases society carries towards women who have their periods, then I believe it will lead to a domino effect of others feeling the same way.

Conversations

Where and how do we even start to make change? Converse. If a conversation comes up; if words are exchanged; if people don’t have all the information; if people are asking questions – carry a conversation about it. Here’s an instance that’s happened to me: It’s been easy to get ticked off when people assume my moods or habits are swayed because ‘it’s that time of the month.’ Guess what? It definitely is like that for me. Right now, depending on the spaces I am in, I tell people ‘Hey, don’t worry about it’ or ‘Yeah day 2 of periods, nobody wants that’. I’ve learned that being more aware of my body, learning and listening to what it craves, and how it chooses to react is my responsibility. Part of that responsibility is to create a space where people can ask me questions if they don’t know, especially those who don’t get periods.

Educação

Speaking of safe spaces, there is another crucial way to engage in these conversations, empower girls and women, and provide resources and support to those who face period stigma. Education. That is the core that wires and can rewire the way we think and approach almost anything in society. Launching educational tools including implementing the biology behind periods; why we get it; why it is important we get it; how it regulates our entire system; and the impacts it leaves on the people around us are topics that need to be researched, delivered and educated on. These tools can also include spaces where teens, young adults and adults in general can share their experiences with periods. These conversations hold links between how people connect with family, friends and society overall. How do you ask your peers at work if anyone has a spare pad without whispering? How does a daughter ask her father if he could lend her some money to go out and buy tampons? These are bonds that are redefining every day and having open conversations about periods breaks the stigma. It normalizes the conversations and education has a heavy role to play in this empowerment.

Additionally, the sole purpose of ‘education’ is longevity. It goes beyond textbook learning and into actual practice. How do we use period products? What foods will help us? Can we be physically active during our periods? These are vital topics to educate everyone on, beyond the young girls and women who have their periods. As of 2023. 1 in 10 African girls missed school during their menstrual cycle, which amounted to roughly 20% of the school year while in India, 66% of girls in rural areas were unaware of menstrual hygiene practices, and only 32% used sanitary pads. There are trickle-down effects of not having enough information as well as misinformation that we do not see the consequences of until it is too late. We all, collectively, have a responsibility to mobilize the right information to ensure that girls are equipped with what is required in order to allow them to flourish in a period-stigmatized society.

Increased Access to Menstrual Products + Resources

Here’s another avenue we could try… PROVIDE FREE ACCESS TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS AND RESOURCES. Who would have thought right? When we study regions in developing countries, it is prevalent that the inability to afford period products, let alone simply having the resources to manufacture these products, is limiting girls and women. According to UNICEF, 2023 saw only 27% of girls in low-income countries have access to menstrual hygiene materials. Economic barriers play a detrimental role with regards to deciding who is allowed to afford these necessities and it is, to this day, playing a life-threatening role for many girls and women.

As of recent years, it’s estimated that menstrual hygiene products can cost up to 10-15% of a girl’s monthly income in sub-Saharan Africa, and similar outcomes are experienced in regions including LATAM, MENA, Africa and Asia. Providing free access to these products, again, would create a similar positive domino effect. Young girls and women would be able to attend school and work; they would learn and earn; they would be able to go on to receive further education, make investments, and make more independent choices. These sound very accessible for some of us but almost unreachable for others. The stigmatization of periods is limiting girls and women in ways that are invisible to the naked eye and will not be felt until the future is in front of us. We have a collective responsibility to choose and take action which will redefine this notion.

Making a Difference

It needs to be mentioned that the most seismic change can only happen through a change in political views, policy changes and practices. Politics has a large part to play in the narrative of period stigma and the accessibility to products: this is when we will see a universal difference. But many of us do not and will not wait for change to come, we will be a part of that change. So how do we make a difference? Start small, trust me, it will amount to bigger impacts with patience in trusting the process. Start clubs and societies at schools and colleges – ignite those conversations! Run a movie night, a bake sale, a networking event and raise money to buy products and make donations! Reach out to NGOs and charities who you could volunteer with. Try shadowing a few people who are working more closely within the field and do not be afraid to ask questions. Surround yourself with people who are excelling in the field and are making ground-breaking impacts in advocacy and awareness – try to study what’s grabbing people’s attention and understand what’s moving the crowd. This field needs us to be loud and confident, use your powers!

How to Get Involved With Girl Up in Your Community

How can you more actively engage with Girl Up? Circle back to the region you are in because Girl Up is represented in regions including the USA, UK, LATAM, Africa, MENA, South Asia and Oceania. Find out what the teams are doing in your country and city; reach out to them and ask how you could get involved; attend their online and in-person events and network! This way, you’d be better able to understand the goals for the region and how you would best implement yourself in the global Girl Up community!

Continue to get to know people, grow yourself and who you are, and unlock your skills. The field of advocacy requires you to continuously step out of your comfort zone and be loud and proud in a crowd of people whom you do not always know. Bring yourself to the table, and I promise you will find your tribe.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are the writer’s own.

Zayna Z. is one of Girl Up’s Regional Leaders for Europe and Central Asia. Her goals focus on creating opportunities and access to resources for girls, helping them forge friendships, and fostering community growth. Looking ahead, her long-term vision extends to expanding Girl Up’s impact across Europe and Central Asia, strengthening the Girl Up global community, and raising awareness about the critical importance of gender equality. Simultaneously, she contributes to Care About Climate (CAC) with the COP training team in which she collaborates with colleagues to develop an accessible educational program for youth, especially in the Global South.

INTRODUÇÃO

Girl Up Alum Network

Thousands of girls and youth around the globe have participated in Girl Up programming. What if that initial participation was only the beginning?

Introducing Girl Up Alum Programming: Where former Girl Up activists and members can connect, grow, and give back as they navigate adulthood.

Where former Girl Up activists and members can connect, grow and give back as they navigate adulthood.

get involved

Joining Girl Up Alum Programming

Anyone who has participated in any Girl Up programming in the past and is 18 years of age or older can participate in alumni programming. Explore programs below that were designed based on feedback from Girl Up alum around the world.

6000+
alumni worldwide
50+
alum interviewed to create Alumni programming
120+
alums in Alumni Mentorship program

CONNECT

Sign up for our alum-exclusive newsletter
Keep up to date with fellow alum and Girl Up Alum exclusive offerings in this bi-monthly newsletter
Sign up now
Join our LinkedIn Group
Connect with other alum + explore opportunities, job openings, scholarships & more!
Join here
Meet a fellow alum for a coffee chat
Get paired with another Girl Up alum from around the world for a quick and casual networking chat.
Connect today
Browse events & support on Alum Bulletin Board
Need help with something? Hosting an event? Able to tutor? Post it on our Alum Bulletin Board!
Post today

GROW

Apply for our mentorship program
This program runs twice a year and applications are typically open in August & February
Saiba mais
Build out our workshop series
Tell us what topics you want to learn about & what you want to see
Share your feedback
Celebrate your milestones
If you have an achievement to share, submit the form below & email alum@girlup.org to be featured!
Celebrate with us!

GIVE BACK

Fundraise for Girl Up
Have a birthday coming up? Host a fundraiser and give back!
Start fundraising!
Volunteer opportunities
More coming soon!

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I qualify as an alum?

If you have participated in any Girl Up program (Teen Advisor, Leadership Summit, Club, WiSci Camp, Regional or Coalition Leader, etc.) and are over the age of 18, you qualify to participate in alum programming

What if I have something I want to promote to other alum?

Our Alum Bulletin is a great place to promote events, fundraisers, and more. However, if you would like to be highlighted as an individual, or chat about more ways to gather alum support, email alum@girlup.org.

How can I meet alum in my region and around the world?

Right now, there are not any in-person events being hosted. However, if you would like to host an event on your own, please email your idea to Megan Masterson, Alumni Manager (mmasterson@girlup.org). From there, she can help you promote to fellow Girl Up alum.

If you are in a new city, and curious if there are any Girl Up connections there, email alum@girlup.org

Questions? Feedback? Ready to learn more?

Email alum@girlup.org.

Tempo estimado de leitura: 4 minutos

Girl Up Project Awards allow any youth advocate around the world to apply for funding up to $1,000 USD to apply towards a project that they are passionate about, and make their visions for social change a reality.

Working alongside awardees and providing guidance on utilizing their leadership skills and project design including SMART Goals, team building, and budgeting, Girl Up continues to be committed to supporting youth ideas, dreams, and goals toward gender justice. The Project Awards fund helps these leaders pursue these projects by covering most, if not all, of the project finances. Applicant criteria, selection guidelines, additional resources, and reporting guidelines provided to awardees can now be found in Girl Up’s Project Award Resource.

Girl Up’s 2023 Project Award Class represents 50 awardees from 9 U.S states and 25 countries including Canada, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Sierra Leon, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kuwait, Morocco, Tukey, the UK, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Honduras.

This Class represents Girl Up’s diverse community with a range of project topics and varying levels of involvement within Girl Up’s movement, from new Club Leaders to Teen Advisors.

Read on to meet some of the members of the 2023 Class and discover their inspiring ideas for change!

Habiba A., Canada (Mental Health)

YouthWell United aims to be a network of youth in the Greater Toronto Area, hereafter referred to as the GTA, working to improve wellness, education, and social awareness in youth and in-need communities. Their aim is to help in-need youth in difficult situations/struggling communities through familiar media, youth-specific resources and unique youth-led programs. The program specifically supported by the Project Awards Fund will include a Care Packages Program which will include toys, books, a Mental Health Journal, a Coloring Book, Mental Health Pamphlet, Activity Booklet (made by YouthWEll United Team), Stickers, and Card/craft made by our volunteers. It also will support an arts and crafts program and donation drives.

Catherine A., Nigeria (Sports)

The Sport Boot Camp is a transformative program dedicated to empowering young female athletes in Ibadan North, Oyo State. Over the course of two action-packed days, this fitness initiative aims to nurture self-esteem, confidence, and leadership abilities while combatting the increase of young girls dropping out of sports. Catherine’s focus is on students in grades 7–12, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds who lack access to these opportunities.

Ikhtiyor A., Tajikistan (Climate)

The “Empowering Environmental Voices” project seeks to provide 30 girls and women in Tajikistan with the opportunity to express themselves through creative writing while focusing on the crucial topic of environmental justice. The course duration-2 months (online and offline). Through this free course, participants will not only enhance their creative writing skills but also learn to be advocates for environmental change, amplifying their voices for a sustainable future.

Anisha S., Bangladesh (STEM)

GreenTechGirls Challenge: Empowering Environmental Innovators- is a project that will help create AI chatbots/ an app to help inform green practices in communities. These eco-friendly practices include tips and tricks for recycling and other sustainable living tips. Anisha will also host an event about how they are creating the AI tools within the app to further teach the community about how they to can create tangible STEM solutions in their community.

Saranya S., USA (Education)

Women in Debate is a 501(c)(3) national student-led, non-profit that supports gender minorities in the debate space through free mentoring, scholarships, articles, and events. Saranya applied to the Project Awards to help with the entry fee and travel-related funds for different debates throughout the school year so that they could continue to combat the low-income gender minority statistics in the debate space to ensure that all women’s voices continued to be included in all debate spaces.

Michelle T., Malawi (SRHRJ)

Michelle’s SRHRJ project will facilitate raising awareness surrounding period myths and also facilitate hands-on training on sewing pads. This training will be given to women (10 in total). The sewing of pads will be facilitated by Michelle’s club members and is hoping to reach at least 50 girls from different upper primary school and secondary schools who will then act as a champion on issues related to menstrual hygiene. They hope these soon-to-be champions in various schools will then be able to conduct the same training on sewing pads and spread awareness.

Want to learn more about our 2023 Project Awardees? Click here!

Celebrating Ordinary Women

Historical Contributions of Ordinary Women

Modern-Day Impact of Ordinary Women

Challenges and Resilience

Path Forward: Honoring and Empowering Ordinary Women

Descobrir mais mensagens

A New Chapter: Girl Up's Future is Now

5 maneiras de alavancar o seu jogo feminista em 2018

Girl Up assume a Marcha das Mulheres

Como Fazer Advocacy: Realização de uma reunião distrital

5 Histórias de Progresso para a SDG 5 em #WomensDay

Descobrir mais mensagens

A New Chapter: Girl Up's Future is Now

5 maneiras de alavancar o seu jogo feminista em 2018

Girl Up assume a Marcha das Mulheres

Como Fazer Advocacy: Realização de uma reunião distrital

5 Histórias de Progresso para a SDG 5 em #WomensDay

2024-2025 Girl Up USA Leaders: A Snapshot

2025-2026 Youth Advisors

Jazmine C.

Sophia D.

Olivia K.

Irene P.

Aishvarya P.

Nikki R.

Sudharshini R.

Diya S.

Jahnavi T.

Saanvi V.

Sahasra Y.

2025-2026 Coalition Leaders

Isabella A.

Elsa B.

Juliette D.

Ivy G.

Olivia H.

Siyeon J.

Ruth K.

Isabella K.

Zayna K.

Anna K.

Saisha K.

Rachana L.

Anjali M.

England M.

Yarisved N.

Abisola O.

Madelyn Q.

Zara S.

Caroline S.

Promyse W.

2025 Heal Our Planet Shoreline Cleanup Leaders

Sanjana D.

Shriya G.

Abigael H.

Siyeon J.

Akshara K.

Jahnavi T. Lucy X.

Rachana L.

Amanda M.

Anjali M.

England M.

Chetana M.

Priyanshi R.

Zara S.

Caroline S.

Josephine S.

Krithikha S.

Valeria S.

Ellie N. and Crystal Y.

2025 Mental Health Youth Champions

Karla A.

Yana G.

Isabella H.

Trisha K.

Nora L.

Amberleigh Q.

Emaan S.

Sriya S.

Saanvi V.