24-year-old Halima Yusuf reflects on how her mother’s story of being taken out of school inspired her to pursue her education and is the reflection of the realities of many girls in Nigeria today. When girls are excluded from decision-making tables where their lives are shaped, they suffer. This piece is expanded from Halima’s address to Nigerian policymakers at a Malala Fund Nigeria organised an International Day of the Girl event in Abuja last week.
Meti writes about how co-designing Girls’ Vision for Education helped her realise the definition of collective power and reaffirmed her belief that girls’ voices must be at the forefront of education policy for girls. Allowing girls to lead on their education demands builds a world where all girls can be leaders.
18-year-old photographer Firuze Sadik shares a series of photos she took of her home in rural Afghanistan. Documenting everything about life in Afghanistan — from photos of fruit sellers and spending time with her family to photos depicting how people — especially girls and women — continue to find joy despite Taliban rule. Firuze highlights the importance of amplifying nuanced Afghan stories.
9-year-old Ashezi always loved to read, but when she began a book club for refugees, she took her dedication to reading to a new level.
Meet DigiTruck Ethiopia — the refurbished, moveable classroom making coding more accessible to girls across the country. For Ekram, a student in the programme, this refurbished, moveable classroom has made coding — and the mentors she’s met through it — a lifeline for her.
14-year-old Dilawaiz writes about how the gift of a bicycle led her on a transformative journey of resilience and empowerment.
14-year-old Mahtab reflects on the generosity of people in Pakistan towards her and other families from Afghanistan seeking refuge.
Photographers and sisters Manizha and Zahra Abbasi’s lives changed when the Taliban took control in 2021. They left the country, but their desire to create art and tell stories remained. In their own words, their photography shows “the thousands of beauties and merits of women [in Afghanistan].”
Kavya Kadia reflects on how a chance encounter with a young Pakistani researcher changed her outlook on scientific research, community, and women’s empowerment.
17-year-old Bhumika Ashwar writes about the barriers to education Guyanese women face and how she’s championing girls’ education on the ground through her advocacy.
18-year-old Canadian Leah Denbok publishes photography book to shine a light on homelessness in North America.
Displaced Puerto Rican student writes about fighting to stay in college after Hurricane Maria.
19-year-old Najlaa discusses the many barriers she faced in going to school including her family, child marriage and even ISIS.
“This is my education story, my strength.”