Dear Girls,

We fight for a world where every girl can choose her own future. This week, that vision may feel further out of reach. Please know that we are here for you—and that we'll continue to listen to your needs and help you advocate in your communities. We're ready for the next fight, by your side.

You are the reason we show up every day. You are worthy of respect, care, and dedicated attention. You are deserving of the future we dream of and fight for. 

There is the change that happens to us, that feels out of our control. And then there is the change we can all create for ourselves and others in our global and local community. The latter will always be more powerful in the long run. Keep going.

We acknowledge that you feel sad, disrespected, disappointed, scared, and—above all—angry. These feelings are all valid, and as Civil Rights Activist and Professor Audre Lorde once said, we can use these feelings to work together, organize, and create the inclusive change we deserve:

“We use whatever strengths we have fought for, including anger, to help define and fashion a world where all our sisters can grow, where our children can love, and where the power of touching and meeting another woman’s difference and wonder will eventually transcend the need for destruction.” 

- Audre Lorde, “The Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism,” Sister Outsider 

We will focus our anger together. We will not back down or leave your side. We will keep listening to you, amplifying your voices, and training you to be activists. We will keep providing you with resources to advocate for your needs and keep connecting you with your sisters around the world. We will keep beating down the doors of philanthropy to invest more in you. 

Why? Because we believe in you. But also because inside each member of the She's the First staff is a former girl who has never stopped fighting for the opportunities, the confidence, and the platforms she deserved but didn't have. 

To the U.S. girls (and your allies reading), now is the time to focus on making hyperlocal change while also reaching out to our global sisters, who will feel the daunting ripple effects of conservative U.S. politics. Our Girl-Led Advocacy team is here to support you. Find our resources and programs at shesthefirst.org/for-girls. Reach out to us at advocacy@shesthefirst.org.

The fight continues, and—even as we channel our anger into our change-making—we still need to find joy and happiness along the way to fuel us. Give yourself those moments; you deserve them.

Always by your side,

The She’s the First Team:
Dani Antonio
Esther Aoko
Ceci Arriaza
Dania de León
Emma Mogaka
Kate Kiama
Kate Lord
Kayla Pate
Janae Phillips
Florence Sidi
Tammy Tibbetts