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
Investing in girls' education and leadership is essential for advancing gender equality. On October 3, She’s the First and Rise Up hosted a virtual event, "The Power of Girls' Education and Leadership: A Spotlight on Africa," to highlight the efforts of young leaders transforming their communities. Alumni from both organizations discussed the challenges and potential of girls' education in Africa, with She’s the First Girls Advisory Council members Sukeji Modi and Njeri emphasizing the role of local leadership and mentorship in tackling issues like teen pregnancy and menstrual poverty.
"You've said plenty. Now, it is time for you to listen."
Serena Abrahams is a student and activist who lives in NYC. A true bibliophile, Serena always has a book in hand. Serena enjoys writing, piano, and track and field. Serena is a She’s the First Girl Activist Fellow in the 2023-2025 cohort.
"I’m a girl and I know what I want."
Allison Choong is a 20-year-old activist from Penang, Malaysia. She is pursuing a double major in Criminology & Justice Studies and Sociology at Drexel University on a fully funded Global Scholarship. She has been a finalist for the Canon Young Champion of the Year and Women of the Future Southeast Asia awards. She is an alumna of She’s the First’s Girl Activist Fellowship and a current member of the organization’s Girls Advisory Council. She enjoys using her voice to raise awareness about crucial issues affecting youth and marginalized communities.
“Girls are not only the future, we are the present"
Sania Hammad, 19, is a student at Barnard College of Columbia University where she serves as the president of the sophomore class. Along with serving as the president, she is the founder of Sate Crate, a nonprofit with the goal to stave off hunger in southern Missouri and southeast Kansas. She works with various grassroots organizations, is the co-author of a children’s book, has made nationally recognized documentaries, and has hosted many fundraising events in the past. She is an alumna of the first cohort of She’s the First Girl Activist Fellowship.
"Let Girls Lead"
Joan Kembabazi is a 25-year-old feminist activist who champions an end to child marriage and girls' education in Uganda. Joan is the Founder and Team leader of Gufasha Girls Foundation and is currently a fellow in She’s the First’s Girl-Centered Incubator.
My Experience as the Youngest Delegate at an Inter-American Convention for Eradicating Gender Violence
“Two months ago, I had the amazing opportunity to be a delegate for the Chilean delegation for the IX Conference of States Parties for the Belém do Pará Convention the Interamerican Convention to Prevent, Sanction, and Eradicate Violence Against Women. This convention is the biggest women’s rights instrument that punishes forms of violence against women and girls.”
Why Do You Need Feminism? She's the First Chapter Speaks Up
Equal Access for ALL Girls to Period Products
While menstrual stigma has long been a political topic, one Hon. Gloria Orwoba made a very public plea for women’s and girls’ rights this year in a new and different way. A first-time senator, Hon. Orwoba made her way to the Kenya Parliamentary session on 14th February 2023 in clothing that had menstrual blood. She was asked to leave halfway through the session after her fellow parliamentarians requested the speaker to eject her for supposedly violating the house’s “dress code.” Hon. Orwoba’s actions made a strong statement to advocate for free pads for school girls and female prisoners. As a young woman at the forefront of addressing Period Poverty, this was such a relief for me.
Seré quien soy / I will be who I am
Autora: Wendy Palax, miembro del Consejo Asesor de Niñas de She's the First
Las miradas no fueron la herida, las palabras que me recorrían de arriba hacia abajo fue la nota más aguda que hubiera escuchado.
Los rostros eran los mismos, los mismos que dicen ser "Familia".
Los mismos que me llevaron a un gran abismo.
Los mismos que siguen sin creer.
Los mismos que juzgan sin saber.
Los mismos que dicen ser "Familia".
Esa tarde se convirtió en un lugar lleno de preguntas sin respuestas.
¿Dónde voy a vivir?
¿Con quién me debo casar?
¿Debo caerles bien?
¿Qué carrera llevar?
¿Cumpliré con los requisitos para no fallar?
Y sobre todo, el eco de las palabras rebotaban en mi mente.
"Eres mujer no pierdas vergüenza algún día"
Creí que no me había afectado
Creí que era ilusión mía
Creí que eran mentiras
Creí que debía aceptarlas para encajar.
Observé y me di cuenta que eran las mismas palabras y etiquetas, para ser aceptada en un mundo lleno de maldad y ciclos repetitivos.
Ciclos de etiquetas, requisitos, reglas. Para mantener un papel, orden y sobre todo ser aceptada.
¿Estoy en el camino correcto?
Me pregunté
Me observé
Me escuché
Me acepte
Me convertí
El espejo de mi habitación reflejó aquel puño de inseguridades a
un enredo de flores y espinas adornando la habitación.
Yo no quiero ser una más que dejó sus sueños anclados por la sociedad.
Mi voz será mi aliado para llegar a cada rincón.
No llevaré los requisitos de la sociedad.
No llevaré las reglas para ser aceptada.
Llevaré mis requisitos,
llevaré mis fallas a la sociedad.
Viviré disfrutado los días que vendrán.
Seré un rompecabezas
Seré la pieza faltante
Seré voz
Seré silencio
Seré la solución
Seré yo.
Una niña con educación es imparable- pero barreras como la discriminación de género, pobreza y explotación impiden que muchas niñas se graduen. Nuestras Jóvenes Embajadoras crearon la campaña El poder de la Poesía para amplificar las voces de las niñas sobre este tema para el Mes Nacional de la Poesía y la Semana de Acción Mundial por la Educación.
Wendy Palax, de 18 años, es una orgullosa mujer indígena maya y miembro del Consejo Asesor de Niñas de She's the First. Vive en Sololá, Guatemala. “Soy valiente y resistente y me dedico a aprender, comprender y lograr mis sueños. Quiero ser una líder en mi comunidad y en mi país. Quiero romper barreras y empoderar a otras. Soy una joven decidida. Soy una mujer indígena decidida. Romperé los estereotipos y demostraré que tenemos potencial”.
I will be who I am
The looks were not the wound, the words that ran up and down in me was the sharpest note that I’ve ever heard.
The faces were the same, the same that claim to be “Family”.
The same who took me to a large abyss.
The same who continues without believing.
The same who judge without knowing.
The same who claim to be “Family”.
This afternoon has turned into a place filled with questions without answers.
Where will I live?
Who should I marry?
Should they like me?
What career to take?
Will I meet the requirements not to fail?
And above all, the echo of the words that bounced in my mind.
“You are a woman, do not lose shame one day”.
I thought it had not affected me
I thought it was my illusion
I thought that they were lies
I thought that I should accept them to fit in.
I observed and I realized they were the same words and labels, to be accepted in a world filled with evil and repetitive cycles.
Cycles of labels, requirements, rules. To maintain a role, order, and above all be accepted.
Am I on the right path?
I asked myself
I observed myself
I listened to myself
I accepted myself
I became
The mirror in my room reflected that fist of insecurities to
a tangle of flowers and thorns adorning the room.
I don’t want to be one more that left her dreams anchored by society.
My voice will be my ally to reach every corner.
I will not bear the requirements of society.
I will not carry the rules to be accepted.
I will carry my requirements,
I will take my faults to society.
I will live enjoying the days to come.
I will be a puzzle
I’ll be the missing piece
I’ll be voice
I’ll be silence
I’ll be the solution
I will be me.
A girl with an education is unstoppable—but barriers like gender discrimination, poverty, and exploitation prevent many girls from reaching graduation. Our Youth Ambassadors created the Power of Poetry campaign to amplify girls' voices about this issue for Poetry Month and the the Global Action Week for Education.
Wendy Palax, 18, is a proud Indigenous Maya woman and a member of the She’s the First Girls Advisory Council. She lives in Sololá, Guatemala. “I am brave and resilient and dedicated to learning, understanding, and achieving my dreams. I want to be a leader in my community and in my country. I want to break barriers and empower others. I am a determined young woman. I am a determined Indigenous woman. I will break stereotypes and prove we have potential.”