On March 8, International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating five young women breaking barriers and fighting for gender equality worldwide. Whether advocating for girls’ education or against female genital mutilation (FGM), these inspiring young women are paving the way for change.
Together, we can ensure every child, no matter their gender, has everything they need to thrive now—and for years to come.
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Yvonne: Championing girls’ education in Chad
In Chad, poverty and unjust societal norms prevent girls from achieving their right to a quality, uninterrupted education—with 68% of girls married before age 18.
“It seems as if education is a right for boys and a favor for girls,” Yvonne said. “That has to change, and that is why I am taking action.”
As an ambassador for the United Nations program “Education for All,” Yvonne, 17, is a fearless advocate for children’s rights and girls’ education.
In April 2024, she represented Chad at the European Humanitarian Forum, speaking to United Nations representatives, European Union officials, delegates from European Union Member states and the Queen of Belgium about the urgent need to uphold children’s rights—including ensuring access to quality education for all.
Yvonne’s advocacy extended to the #VoteforChildren campaign, launched by the Child Rights Action Group and co-chaired by SOS Children’s Villages. She emphasized the importantance of children’s participation in decisions that affect their lives.
“Every decision made without us is a decision against us,” she said.
Yvonne’s determination and passion serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring a more equitable and inclusive future.
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Punam: Fighting for mental health and gender equality in Nepal
As a pediatrician, Punam has witnessed how deeply ingrained gender biases affect girls in Nepal—even as soon as their first breath.
“In the pediatric ward, we recently had a very difficult labor,” she said. “The parents told us since that since the baby is a son, we must save his life at any cost. We knew that they wouldn’t say that if the baby was a girl. I get very emotional thinking about how discrimination starts from the very beginning.”
As a member of the International Youth Coalition—a network of young people from SOS Children's Villages programs across the world whose members represent children and young people in spaces where decisions are being made—Punam highlights issues affecting girls and women in Nepalese society, like gender-based violence, child marriage and human trafficking.
Punam also advocates for equitable mental and physical health care for young women.
“There is a difference in the quality of health care women receive, even when they suffer from the same physical or mental diseases as men,” Punam said.
Punam is dedicated to bridging the health care gap for women and breaking the stigma around mental health. She encourages women at every age to speak up about their struggles and support one another.
“Talking about mental health is a step towards normalizing it,” she said. “From one woman to another, this is how change will come.”
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Vanessa*: Overcoming xenophobia in Colombia
Vanessa’s family fled Venezuela’s economic crisis in search of a better life in Colombia, where her mother had relatives. But instead of finding safety and belonging, she and her seven siblings experienced severe discrimination.
"It was a very difficult change for our family, but the hardest thing was how they received us,” Vanessa said. “As soon as my siblings started going to school, they suffered a lot of xenophobia."
Determined to confront the harmful effects of xenophobia, Vanessa joined educational workshops hosted by SOS Children’s Villages. Then, she became a community leader and advocate herself—empowering others to embrace diversity, fight for equality and stand up to discrimination (or thrive in spite of it).
"As community agents, we are the voice for the children who have no voice,” she said.
One young boy, eight-year-old Pablo, shared: “She is good because she helps the children. She helps them for their future.”
Vanessa’s relentless dedication to create an equitable world reminds us that every child—regardless of nationality—deserves belonging, safety and the resources to thrive.
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Selam*: Speaking out against female genital mutilation in Ethiopia
Eleven-year-old Selam proves that advocating for girls’ health and rights is achievable at any age.
In her small village in Ethiopia, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains an ingrained cultural practice, despite being illegal since 2004.
Studies show two in three women in Ethiopia have undergone FGM—leading to severe health complications and promoting high child marriage rates.
For years, SOS Children’s Villages has worked closely with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to educate the community about children’s rights and the dangers of FGM.
Since SOS began working with the ministry, 26 girls have been rescued from FGM and eight others have been saved from child marriage.
Selam, who dreams of becoming a doctor one day, is well-known in her community for advocating against FGM. She speaks confidently in community gatherings and at school about her own story of rejecting the practice.
“When I go to school in the morning, I tell my friends that marriage is not needed at their young age,” she said. “Girls must continue with their education. And if their parents try to force them, they will be brought before the law. Parents have stopped pushing for [FGM] upon hearing this message. My friends and I have healthy bodies and we are at peace with ourselves. All we want is our education.”
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Meena: Advocating for girls’ rights in India
Fifteen-year-old Meena is part of SOS’ Children’s Parliament and Street Theater program, using performance arts to speak out against gender-based discrimination in her community.
“Where I live, even when a girl wears jeans or talks to a boy, the whole neighborhood starts spreading rumors about her,” Meena said. “Most girls my age just wants to escape from this place because of how people think. Parents don’t send their daughters to school–only the boys.”
Through Children’s Parliament, a collective of young people discuss community concerns or challenges and advocate for change.
“I learned to present my point of view respectfully without feeling self-conscious. When we all came together in the Children’s Parliament, we felt that we could change the things we didn’t like about our neighborhood. Everything seemed easier when we did it as a community. Those who listen to us change their thinking considerably."
Meena and her peers educate their community and prove that when girls are empowered, entire communities benefit.
Join the fight for gender equality
These five young women are leading the charge for a more equitable world and just future for girls. But millions of girls and young women around the world still face discrimination, educational barriers and gender-based violence.
You can join Yvonne, Punam, Vanessa, Salem, Meena and countless other young people fighting for gender equality today by:
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Donating to the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Endowment Fund for the empowerment of girls and women. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated her life to serve, protect and advocate for the most vulnerable. You can continue this legacy of compassion by supporting her endowment to SOS. Together, we can break down barriers and ensure every girl has equal opportunities to thrive!
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Sharing this article to raise awareness and advocate for gender equality worldwide. Spreading the word is a powerful way to create change. By sharing this article with your friends, family and network, you can help educate about the challenges girls and women experience globally and inspire others to take action.
Together, we can ensure every girl has the resources, support and opportunities she needs to thrive!
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