When the Taliban took over in August 2021, Marina witnessed the targeted destruction of Afghan girls' and women's rights, especially in education. She found her passion in teaching other girls. First, by creating educational videos through her YouTube channel, then through Begum Organisation for Women. By producing videos for Begum TV, she helps girls continue their secondary education
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.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Malala visited your school for a day? 15-year-old Sara writes about just that — the day Malala sat with Harrow High School in London to discuss everyone’s role in creating a world where all girls are free to learn and pursue their dreams.
19-year-old Lua Quinelato reflects on her experience in a public university as a transvesti girl and finding community, and writing the #GirlsDecide Manifesto, demanding quality, equal education for all.
15-year-old Fatima Binte Muhammad writes about her busy week attending Model United Nations events and advocating for girls’ rights through an online community, GirlUp.
Anna Lee shares how to better represent often overlooked members of theAsian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander community.
Gunchaa Shandilya shares her week enjoying nature, learning animation and advocating for climate action with friends.
17-year-old South African student Paballo Peege explains why schools need to include works by female writers in their English curriculums.
Slam poet and student Shnayjaah Jeanty shares her poem about Black name stereotyping and how Black people reclaim their identity and power with their names.
Bushra discusses her accomplishments on the Skokie Board of Ed, achieving work-life balance and a potential presidential run.
18-year-old Iranian American poet Keana Saberi shares her award-winning poem and reflects on the current protests in Iran.
“When girls and women learn, everyone benefits. That is why it’s not just up to girls and women to speak out.”
Diana writes about the impact of the war on her daily life in Cherkasy, Ukraine.
Studying, a birthday party and more studying, Tanisha writes about her busy week.
In this special issue, girls open up about their experiences and share their advice on looking after your mental and emotional well-being.
17-year-old Lebanese student Abir Fakih explains how social anxiety disorder (SAD) has affected her life.
21-year-old Raphaele Godinho writes about her work helping every student access higher education.
21-year-old anti-colourism student advocate TK Saccoh investigates intersecting oppressions that contribute to the erasure of Black girls.
Assembly readers Eduek and Uforo Nsentip ask Malala Fund’s research officer Naomi Nyamweya about the relationship between climate change and girls’ education.
Italian student Chiara Longo writes about testing positive for COVID-19 and what she learned from contracting the virus.