Launched in 2012 by the United Nations, International Day of the Girl is celebrated annually on October 11 to raise awareness of issues affecting girls and young women across the globe. The day promotes girls’ human rights, highlights gender inequalities, and calls for removing barriers that hinder girls from reaching their full potential. Girls and young women worldwide are effecting change through their resourcefulness, creativity, and tenacity to make our communities better and stronger for ALL people.
Student Leadership Network, as a national leader in launching and supporting girls’ schools with its Whole Girl Education framework, is thrilled to see this year’s call for the global community to “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.” Join us in celebrating our network of girls and women–and learn what inspires and motivates them for a brighter future!
Talia, Champion of Aspiring Black Women Lawyers
Talia Scott, an alumna of The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) and Haverford College, knows firsthand how inaccessible the law and a law career could be for immigrants and underrepresented communities. She is now pursuing her JD/MBA at New York University and creating opportunities for more Black women to shape law and policy. In a sector where only 2% of all U.S. lawyers are Black women, she founded Legally BLK Fund to address barriers that disproportionately impact women of color aspiring to become lawyers.
Legally BLK Fund provides resources, scholarships, and mentorship to Black women applying to law school. “In order to increase the percentage of Black people and Black women in law,” shared Talia, “we have to reduce some of the barriers to even getting into law school, which starts at the pre-law or application process.” The David Prize recently awarded Talia $200,000 for her innovative leadership and commitment to her community.
Join Student Leadership Network on October 19th as we honor Talia at the 2023 (Em)Power Breakfast!
I was truly moved by the messages and emails from young Black women all across the country thanking me… for supporting young Black women in this way. I was onto something bigger than me and my personal journey.
Talia Scott, The Young Women’s Leadership School ’15
Mariama, NYC Votes Youth Ambassador
Mariama T., a remarkable 15-year-old CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) student from Central Park East High School, believes, “To make change, you have to start in your own community.” As one of 15 students chosen for the 2023 NYC Votes Youth Ambassador Program, Mariama addresses social injustices in her community, highlighting the importance of investing in girls’ rights. With her passion, determination, and commitment, Mariama is undoubtedly a rising star in the realm of youth civic engagement and a shining example of the impact of empowering girls to lead and thrive.
I am motivated to make more positive changes in our communities so that our people can succeed, grow, thrive, and prosper.
Mariama T., Student, Central Park East High School
Let’s Hear It For the Girls’ Education Team!
Student Leadership Network’s Girls’ Education team has decades of experience in launching and supporting girls’ schools and fostering positive school communities that center our students’ cultures and voices. Visit our blog for updates about how we build capacity and support girls and gender-expansive youth year-round.
Our time is now…
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I’m passionate about how us as women have the power and development to impact society through good deeds.
Jah’niyah, Young Women’s College Prep ’23
Me and other young people can take action and work toward equal rights by speaking up and using our voices. We can be aware of indirect discrimination towards us or one another such as race, pregnancy and religion.
Janya, TYWLS Brooklyn ‘23
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I am passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health. Two of my peers and I have a mental health service called NAV, which is short for “Navigation” that provides teens (ages 13-18) with mental health resources through our Instagram page (@nav_igation_)… and we host mental health sessions and seminars where we talk about different topics based on mental health.
Ameera, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women
I’m passionate about LGBTQ+ rights. Everyone should be appreciated for who they are and not discriminated against for what they identify themselves as. I make a safe and welcoming environment for everyone and let them know that they are respected and all equal here.
Mahiea, TYWLS Queens ‘27
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Young people can take action toward equal rights by making posters and speeches on why it is important, going to some demonstrations, and protesting. Perhaps we can visit other schools and come together.
Arianna, TYWLS Brooklyn ‘25
Us women need to shine and by expressing ourselves we can empower the girls of the future like my little sisters and cousins.
Vanasia, YWCP ’25
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We need to increase our knowledge on the world around us and gather information so we can have rights for everyone.
Anaya, TYWLS Brooklyn ‘25
One way I feel we can take action is actually talking about the experiences most women face, not just of the women who have succeeded so people can understand the serious dangers we face outside.
Rosa, TYWLS ’25
We can stop trying to fight for one side or think one group is better than the other. It is important to remember that we all should love each other as who we are.
Marie, Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Las Vegas ’28
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I and the young people around me have the opportunity to actively participate in the fight for equality. Now that we live in a technology-filled world, we can raise our voices and spread awareness in the publicity of the internet.
Meylani, TYWLS Queens ‘27
Our generation gives me hope for the future because they are more advancements being made by young people. Especially young women, they prove to people that even women can do anything they wish to do.
Rabia, TYWLS Queens ‘27
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Protest!
Angelee, TYWLS ‘25
If we learn to speak up for ourselves and push things that we want in life to happen we have to try to do it without adults helping us with every step of the way. This generation gives hope for the future because we are speaking our minds and implementing our ideas in our community and our society in general.
Ma’ryah, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women
Young people like me can spread their ideas through social media and influence other people. Young people also need to let adults know that we are not as naive as they think we are.
Edlyn, TYWLS Queens ‘24
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Volunteering is an opportinutity to help and get community service.
Jane, TYWLS ‘27
My generation gives me hope for the future because we aren’t shy to defend ourselves and we make sure to keep our voices heard on important topics.
Melba, TYWLS Brooklyn ‘23
