The majority of girls everywhere are increasingly showing remarkable bravery and a strong commitment to creating better futures for themselves and their communities. They are voicing their support for each other, proving that when girls succeed, entire societies thrive. Their resilience calls for recognition.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, we honour not only the struggles that girls face but also the incredible strength they represent. This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to ensure that every girl, regardless of her birthplace, enjoys her right to education, safety, and opportunity.
In humanitarian crises, girls are most affected, facing greater risks of violence, hunger, limited access to education and healthcare, early marriage, and cultural barriers. However, when communities come together, they can create safe and supportive spaces that protect and support girls. Initiatives such as child protection committees support girls to be heard, valued, and safeguarded because gender inequality starts early, and it is within our power to stop it.
Empowering girls creates a ripple effect of progress. When girls are given opportunities to learn and lead, they not only transform their own lives but also strengthen their families and communities.
As Humana People to People, we are committed to promoting gender equality, equitable learning, and awareness of girls’ rights. Our programmes create safe spaces where girls can express themselves freely, share experiences, and find emotional support. We believe lasting change is only possible when communities are at the heart of the solutions.
In Malawi, where nearly 42% of girls are married before 18, DAPP Malawi a member of Humana People to People has been working for over 25 years to promote inclusive health and development programs. Through partnerships with the Government of Malawi and others, they provide HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health education, and community support, with a special focus on Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). (Learn more by watching the TCE film)
DAPP Malawi’s TCE–HIV Prevention Project places over 21,000 young women at the heart of change. It provides HIV services, gender-based violence prevention, and support to reduce early marriages.
Similarly, ADPP Mozambique’s "Empowering Women and Girls" project enhances the lives of 9,000 women and girls by improving their access to human rights, health, education, and economic opportunities. It offers vocational training, reintegrates 1,800 girls into formal education, challenges discriminatory norms, and strengthens institutions to support gender equality.
While progress has been made, the journey continues. According to UNICEF, “122 million girls remain out of school, and nearly 50 million adolescent girls cannot read or write.” These figures remind us that although progress has been achieved, it remains uneven, and our work is far from over.
Humana People to People stands united with all who believe in the transformative power of investing in girls. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every girl can learn, lead, and thrive. Because when girls rise, their communities rise, and the world becomes stronger and full of hope.
