“I dream of becoming a doctor so that I can save people and be independent.”
At AAH, Mercy’s dreams are nurtured. Her ambitions are resourced, and her curiosity is fed instead of silenced. She is respected, educated, and heard.
"I Feel Loved Here"
“I am accepted for who I am.”
Hulaymatou is a 17-year-old girl from She's the First partner Starfish International in The Gambia. Starfish teaches girls to know their worth, to use their voice for good, and to make money on their own terms.
My name is Hulaymatou, and I feel loved here.
I feel loved at Starfish because ever since I became a Starfish girl, my mentors have consistently shown up for me in every aspect of my life, from home to school, and everything in between. I remember a day when I was feeling really down and didn’t want to do anything. My mentors noticed and took action; they wrote several affirmations on the board for me and had my fellow students sing for me. That moment made me feel incredibly loved. I carry this experience with me every day and make it a point to do the same for my friends whenever they’re not feeling okay.
At home, I don’t feel entirely free to be myself compared to when I’m at Starfish. There are times when I have to do things to please my family, even when it doesn’t feel right for me. At Starfish, I am accepted for who I am and encouraged to express myself without judgment. The freedom and support I get from my mentors and peers at Starfish allow me to embrace my true self in ways I often can’t at home. This environment has taught me how important it is to surround myself with people who uplift and understand me.
I know I am a queen, and I act accordingly. I run a small business that allows me to stay financially independent and take care of my basic needs. And no matter how small my contributions may seem, I am consistently serving my community in any way I can, guided by the Starfish values I hold dear.
From one queen to another,
Hulaymatou
The Space to Dream Campaign is about ensuring that girls in every community have a safe place to go where they feel loved and empowered to change the world. She’s the First partners with grassroots organizations like Starfish International, training local women leaders on feminist mentorship, reproductive health education, and girls’ rights.
As a result, girls feel loved, respected, and worthy. You heard it from Hulaymatou best, no matter how small the contribution, our gifts are valuable and important for creating the world girls everywhere deserve.
Will you give a gift to support a future where all girls feel loved like Hulaymatou?
A Letter to the Girls of She’s the First
Women (& Girls!) Can Be President
Ellie Kaaya cracked the presidential glass ceiling at her university so other women could break through. She ran for student body president even when people told her that only men should lead. A few years later, her campaign inspired her mentee, Fides, to follow her lead. Fides became the first female class president at their university, blazing her own trail for change.
15 Years Strong, She’s the First Appoints Co-CEOs for Next Chapter
On the 15th Anniversary of She’s the First — a leading organization in the movement for girls’ rights — Co-Founder/CEO Tammy Tibbetts is proud to announce a new chapter ahead: Beginning on January 1st, she and Catherine (Kate) Kiama will begin serving as Co-CEOs, reporting into the Board of Directors together.
Girl Activist Fellows Talk Sex Ed Misinformation
We spoke with two of our Girl Activist Fellows about sex education, the spread of misinformation in their communities, and what changes they want to see. Sydney, 17, who lives in a conservative rural town in Massachusetts, U.S., pointed out that abstinence-only programs cause harm. Faith Boke, 21, from Kuria, Kenya, shared how her community faces shame and misinformation about menstruation and reproductive health. They talked about the need for thorough and inclusive sex education to clear up myths and reduce the stigma around reproductive health.
She's the First Girl Leaders Discuss The Power of Girls' Education and Leadership
Maribel’s the first, her sister will be the second.
I was born a queen.
A girl needs a teacher.
Why Day of the Girl matters (I’ve seen them all)
Girls—and Malala!—Demonstrate to Let World Leaders Know What Girls Want!
On September 21, 2024, in New York City, more than 50 young women from around the world—including the youngest Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai and representatives from four She’s the First programs!—gathered to take United Nations member states to task for failing to prioritize girls and young women in the planning and content of the Summit of the Future.
Girl-Centered Incubator: Fellow Stories
We are thrilled to announce the first-ever graduation of the Girl-Centered Incubator (GCI), a pioneering fellowship designed to support young visionary female leaders in the Global South. Three years ago, six young women joined the program driven by a shared passion for change and a commitment to ensuring that girls in their communities are respected, educated, and heard. Read on to learn more about all six of their programs.
"Education is our weapon to confront society."
Girls First Summit 2024 Debuts in Uganda and Shines in Nairobi
After months of meticulous preparation, the 8th iteration of the Girls First Summit in Nairobi and the first-ever Summit in Uganda finally arrived! Girls First Summit, hosted by She’s the First, brings together courageous women who work with underserved girls to strengthen their programs, learn practical ways to build girls' power in their communities, and network.
From STF Campus to STF Chapters: What You Need to Know About Our Name Change
Goma’s Girls Assert Their Rights with Powerful Mural Project
In an endeavor that melds art with advocacy, Colors of Connection, in collaboration with Tulizo Elle Space, has orchestrated a vibrant initiative in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo that has girls' rights on display on a massive scale.
Walking through the neighborhood, you’ll spot two large murals that highlight a local Girls’ Bill of Rights, inspired by The Global Girls’ Bill of Rights®. These artworks were conceived and painted by girls.
Safiya Speaks Up! Makes Waves in Southeast Asia
Safiya Speaks Up!, the impactful children's book developed by five She’s the First Girl Activist Fellows, is making significant strides in Southeast Asia through the efforts of two of its passionate authors and advocates, Anya Legarda and Allison Choong. It was created to educate young girls about combatting sexual violence and using their voices. Since its digital publication last fall, mentors and parents have shared Safiya’s story with more than 3,000 girls across the globe.
The Kulkarnis' Advice for Dads and Daughters Who Want to Change the World
Empowered Woman, Infinite Impact: My Journey with MAIA and She's the First
Follow the inspiring journey of our Senior Programs Manager, Ceci Arriaza, from her time working with our incredible partner, @MAIA Impact (@MAIA_Impact), to her role today at She’s the First, where she leads Ellas al Frente, our joint three-year program to improve outcomes for girls in the Northern Triangle . Through it all, MAIA has been a steadfast partner at the forefront of empowering Indigenous girls through education and leadership.
Discover how MAIA's innovative approach and local expertise have transformed lives, celebrated with every chant of "Empowered Woman, Infinite Impact!" The appointment of Indigenous Mayan women Andrea Coche and Lidia Oxí as co-executive leaders showcases the powerful impact of community-led efforts.