Girls Experiencing Migration

The Girls Experiencing Migration (GEM) initiative supports a cohort of 14 civil society organizations that are committed to protecting the safety and rights of adolescent migrant girls in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States.

This project is a partnership between Tides Foundation, Comic Relief US, and Global Fund for Children.

Based along the migration path, these local partners provide services to migrant girls journeying north, girls who have been detained, girls who have returned, and girls who think about leaving. The project also includes partners based in the United States that help migrant girls who have recently arrived, have been detained, or are adjusting to a new life in the United States.

In addition to supporting our partners’ programs and services for migrant girls, this project also aims to connect the partners with one another, strengthen their networks of peers and resources, and build collective advocacy.

To learn more about this project:

Featured Stories

Meet Our Children & Leaders
Honrar mis raíces para escribir mi propia historia: La historia de Daniela
Daniela, de 17 años, comparte su historia de integrarse a la comunidad en Los Angeles a través del socio de GFC  Homies Unidos.
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Daniela's story: Honoring my roots to write my own story
Daniela, 17, shares her story of finding a sense of community in Los Angeles through GFC partner Homies Unidos.
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The Migrant Museum: Artivism and youth leadership
The Migrant Museum, which was started by Voces Mesoamericanas Acción con Pueblos Migrantes in Mexico, encourages children and young people to express their dreams, hopes, and fears through art.
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El Museo Migrante: Artivismo y liderazgo juvenil
El Museo Migrante, creado por Voces Mesoamericanas Acción con Pueblos Migrantes en México, anima a niñas, niños y jóvenes a expresar sus sueños, miedos y esperanzas a través del arte.
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Supporting migrants on both sides of the border
Over the past three years, GFC partner Al Otro Lado has assisted thousands of migrants and refugees in Mexico and the US. Nicole Ramos, the Director of Al Otro Lado’s Border Rights Project, reflects on the impact of GFC’s support.
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Children between borders: An interview with Espacio Migrante
Amid an increase in the number of asylum seekers waiting at the US-Mexico border, Espacio Migrante is providing children and their families with shelter, information, and other support. 
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Crossing borders to walk together
Alianza por la Integración Comunitaria Utopía A.C. traveled to Guatemala to visit its peer Jóvenes por el Cambio. The organizations shared learnings, challenges, and experiences around the use of sports as a peacebuilding strategy.
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Cruzando fronteras para caminar juntxs
En febrero del 2021, Alianza por la Integración Comunitaria Utopía A.C. viajó a Guatemala para visitar a su par Jóvenes por el Cambio e intercambiar aprendizajes, retos y experiencias en torno a la promoción del deporte como herramienta de construcción de paz.
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Breaking bread: A community response to the pandemic in Los Angeles
When Los Angeles went into lockdown, Homies Unidos pivoted to distributing free groceries to families in its community. Youth volunteers helped power the effort.
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Becoming a fighter: Nancy's story
Learning to box made Nancy feel strong and helped her connect with other young activists, inspiring her to found Jóvenes por el Cambio.
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Convirtiéndome en una luchadora: La historia de Nancy
Aprender a boxear ayudó a Nancy a sentirse fuerte y a conectarse con otros jóvenes activistas, inspirándola a crear Jóvenes por el Cambio. 
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The migrant girl’s journey
What do adolescent girls experience during migration? A new infographic shares findings from Central America, Mexico, and the United States.
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Solidarity for youth on the move
At a transnational conference in Tijuana, activists working with migrant communities came together to discuss gender and youth in the context of migration.
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What does migration mean to migrant girls?
Migrant girls and young women from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States reflect on what it means to migrate and its impact on their lives and families.
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Making and sharing space for solidarity
At a recent convening of GFC partners in Detroit, the power of connections was on full display. 
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A new approach to strengthen collaboration across borders
Three organizations, two countries, and one new transnational collaboration impacting the lives of migrant children.
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Two words we want all migrant children to hear
Dozens of GFC partners face challenging migration crises every day. To the thousands of children they reach, they send the message: “You matter.”
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The right to be and belong
At a recent partner convening, a transnational network of community-based organizations from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States came together to write a video message to migrant girls to tell them know they are not alone, they matter, and the world needs them.
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Network for Migrant Girls meets again [photo essay]
Nearly a year after the very first convening, our Adolescent Girls and Migration Network partners met again to learn, co-create, and strengthen solidarity around our collective goal of championing migrant girls' rights, opportunities, and voices.
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Why migration requires local (and collective) solutions
This interview with GFC partner Colectiva Vida Digna explores regional approaches to migration, gender, and childhood.
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Deciding what matters: youth at the center of policymaking
After attending the International Dialogue on Migration, GFC's Vanessa Stevens presents the potential behind creating youth-led approaches to address migration challenges.
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Meet Our Children & Leaders
“Wanting to change the world, I ended up changing myself.” – Veraly’s Story
Meet Veraly. Veraly’s story is part of Global Fund for Children’s Role Model Series, featuring inspiring youth who are standing up for children’s rights around the world. 
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Youth and migration in Central America, Mexico, and the United States [special feature]
In 2018, approximately 7,000 migrants arrived at the southern US border in a series of six caravans. This feature examines this evolving migratory trend and how local organizations are rapidly adapting to meet the needs of migrant children and youth.
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It's all about changing attitudes! Measuring gender equity in creative ways
Four myths and five lessons about how to measure gender equity.
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What's the point of revolution if we can't ... box?
Started by a 23-year-old professional boxer, Jóvenes por el Cambio is breaking gender role stereotypes, strengthening girls’ confidence, and empowering youth to practice "self-love."
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What about the boys?
To change gender attitudes, we must help boys and young mean live and exercise healthy masculinities. GFC's Rodrigo Barraza recently led a workshop focused on just that.
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A Rapid Grassroots Response to Protect Young Migrants [Guest Blog]
As the migrant exodus move north, including many children and youth, our partner Sin Fronteras responds with direct services and advocates for their rights.
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Notes from Tapachula: Uniting (and Re-shaping) Borders
Reflections from three days of connecting and strategizing about the plight of migrant girls.
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Historic Meeting on Migrant Youth [Photo Essay]
Sixty human rights leaders gathered on the Mexico-Guatemala border to align their critical work to protect migrant children and youth. This photo essay gives a glimpse into this unprecedented event.
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Uniting Borders for Migrant Girls: Expert Interview
GFC’s Rodrigo Alonso Barraza García gives an in-depth look at the challenges facing migrant girls and the need to unite supporters along their journey—from Guatemala to Mexico to the United States.
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Featured News

February 20, 2020
More than 100 grassroots and philanthropic leaders meet at US-Mexico border to support migrant children’s rights
Tijuana hosts 2020’s first transnational conference to discuss the region’s migration crisis and its impact on youth.
October 4, 2019
Meet the GFC partners championing migrant girls’ rights
GFC celebrated the courageous leaders of grassroots organizations from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico during their visit to Washington, DC to champion migrants’ rights.
October 1, 2019
A DACA recipient turned social justice advocate
Kathie Henao, the Development Director of Homies Unidos, sat down with GFC for a FB Live to discuss their approach and programs, current issues facing Latino's, and her story as a DACA recipient.
December 11, 2018
Join us for Facebook Live with Espacio Migrante
Join GFC and Sarah Soto, Vice President of Espacio Migrante, on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:15 ET to hear about what's happening with migrant youth on the border.

Global Fund for Children (GFC) UK Trust, created in 2006, is a UK registered charity (UK charity number 1119544). We work to generate vital income, create new fundraising opportunities, and raise awareness of the invaluable work of GFC’s grassroots grantees. Our aim is to extend the reach of GFC in the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

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