The Girl Effect

The most powerful force of change on the planet is a girl. (from the Girl Effect video, I Dare You)

The summer before 6th grade, my most prized clothing item was a t-shirt that said in big bold letters: 

GIRLS ARE GREAT.

I wore that shirt with great pride. I believed in its message. I had no doubt in my mind that girls could do anything, be anyone. 

GIRLS ARE GREAT.

Yet millions of girls across the developing world are refused education. They are forced into marriage and to bear children. They die in childbirth. They are exposed to HIV/AIDS in record numbers. They must endure atrocities beyond our comprehension. They are denied their potential and their humanity.

GIRLS ARE GREAT.

We can no longer continue to ignore their suffering. To turn our backs when they are abused, neglected, raped. To pretend that this does not affect the future of our planet.

GIRLS ARE GREAT.

If we support them they can do anything. Be anyone.

GIRLS ARE GREAT.

THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

[This post is part of the 2011 Girl Effect Blogging Campaign. Click HERE to learn more about how you can be a part of this effort to draw attention to such an important issue. Go HERE to find out the facts and what YOU can do to help girls everywhere.]