To mark International Day of the Girl Child, Global Fund for Children is shining a spotlight on some of our partners making the world a better place for girls.
Girls’ rights, wellbeing, and leadership are not just ideals but cornerstones of a world that thrives in justice, equity, and empowerment. As we observe International Day of the Girl Child, guided by this year’s theme of “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” we are celebrating the extraordinary work of GFC partners around the globe.
These organizations are unsung heroes, a driving force behind creating a more equitable, empowering, and hopeful world for girls. They have taken up the mantle of ensuring that girls’ voices are heard, their dreams are supported, and their wellbeing is secured.
The following organizations are just a few of the extraordinary GFC partners working to improve girls’ lives.
Atoot
In Nepal, Atoot utilizes the power of football (soccer) to support the holistic development of girls in the Kapilvastu district. The name “Atoot” holds a special meaning, signifying “unbreakable” in Nepalese. Atoot’s mission is to create opportunities for girls to build self-confidence, leadership capabilities, teamwork skills, and social aptitude.
Beyond the football field, Atoot collaborates with families and community members to raise awareness about the critical importance of girls’ education. Engaging with over 200 girls between the ages of 5 and 18, the organization offers valuable soft skills training encompassing communication and teamwork, as well as language instruction in English and Nepalese. Moreover, Atoot conducts life skills workshops addressing issues that impact girls in their communities, such as human trafficking, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
Center for Advocacy and Sustainable Empowerment (CASE SALONE)
CASE SALONE, dedicated to breaking down barriers to girls’ education in Sierra Leone, is on a mission to empower girls not only to stay in school but also to realize their full potential and assume leadership roles. CASE SALONE establishes student empowerment clubs in schools and communities, imparting crucial leadership and public speaking skills to girls, which fosters their growth and self-assurance.
Moreover, the organization provides girls with safe spaces where they can seek guidance and counseling, supporting their emotional wellbeing. In recognition of the financial challenges that often hinder girls’ access to education, CASE SALONE also operates savings initiatives, making it possible for parents to invest in their children’s education and secure their future.
Colectiva MAPAS
Working in Michoacán, Mexico, Colectiva MAPAS is a feminist community-based organization serving Indigenous adolescent migrant girls and their families. Colectiva MAPAS’s extensive efforts include organizing film debates, offering training workshops, and facilitating other community activities in various municipalities across Michoacán.
One of the organization’s most significant initiatives is the Feminist School, where girls learn about feminist self-defense, understanding their own bodies (including how to use menstrual cups), setting personal boundaries, and sexual and reproductive rights.
Fundación Niñas de Luz
Fundación Niñas de Luz creates opportunities for girls residing in the Ciudad Bolívar neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia. The organization’s mission is to empower these girls through mentorship, enabling them to become leaders in their own lives. This mentorship extends to nurturing their unique talents, honing critical-thinking skills, and supporting their personal social projects.
Jointly Act Girls
Located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Jointly Act Girls champions the rights of girls while working to reduce gender-based violence, child marriage, and bride kidnapping. Impressively, this youth-led organization was founded by a 16-year-old girl, Aiturgan Dzholdoshbekova.
Jointly Act Girls is a beacon of hope for girls in Kyrgyzstan, providing them with essential rights education and leadership programs. These initiatives empower girls, enabling them to make a lasting impact on their families, schools, and communities. Furthermore, Jointly Act Girls advocates for new legislation and policies that strengthen the rights of girls and protect their wellbeing.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for these organizations and other GFC partners tirelessly working to create a better world for girls. Their collective efforts and unwavering commitment remind us that progress is not a distant dream; it’s a journey we’re actively undertaking.
Header photo: Girls walking together in Thailand. © The Freedom Story
