Because I am a Girl Club
Around the world, girls face double discrimination because of their gender and age, leaving them suffering at the bottom of society. Although girls should have the same rights as boys, in reality they face more hardships and barriers. Compared to boys, girls:
- Are less nourished
- Have fewer chances at an education
- Are more likely to face daily violence
Empowering girls is an effective tool for fighting poverty, increasing education and ending violence – it’s a catalyst for overall global development. When we invest in girls and give them a chance, they will succeed. And not only that. They will give back in countless ways to improve the lives of their families, communities and nations.
Delegates announced for first-ever G(irls)20 Summit
The G(irls)20 Summit Organizers are pleased to announce the delegates for the first-ever G(irls)20 Summit. The selected girls will represent their countries at the Summit to be held in Toronto from June 15th to 18th at the University of Toronto just before the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations gather in the city for the G20 meetings.
Modelled after the G20, the G(irls)20 Summit will bring together one girl from each of the 20 countries to discuss how girls and women can help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. A seat has also been allocated for a girl representing the African Union. Read more »
G(irls)20 Summit
The G(irls)20 Summit - 3.3 Billion Ways to Change the World initiative is a global campaign to solicit grassroots ideas on how to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that most impact girls and women.
This viral campaign will culminate in the inaugural, ground-breaking G(irls)20 Summit. The Summit will bring together one girl from each of the G20 countries to Toronto ten days before the official G20 Summit. Read more »
Girls' Voices, Girls' Vision
On Monday, March 15th, Julia, Siham and I were invited to attend the "Girls' Voices, Girls' Visions" Event at York University as guest speakers. It truly was an afternoon of celebration with the bright cheers and inspirational words of many significant and "smarticle" female activists and leaders. Cheryl, a Women Studies professor, invited both Julia and I to join the Girls Panel and Siham was invited to join the panel for amazing women who were making a difference through various campaigns/organizations. At first I thought this would be extremely scary because of the intimidating and cool women and girls however I felt at ease and comfortable around them. It really was a turning point to me to witness how much I have changed since I joined the Girl's Speakers Bureau. People I would look upon as role models spoke to me as if I was just as experienced and wise as they were.
The day started with Cheryl, who welcomed us to the event and introduced the various individuals who were there with us. It was about 50 of us in one room. Cheryl started with a wonderful presentation called "Why Girls You Ask" which answered many questions I had for myself. Read more »
Daily Beast Event
March 15, 2010: posted by Donnady from Plan Philippines
The event at the Daily Beast with Katie Couric was my last event in New York. I felt a little nervous because I know that Queen Rania will be there and that our segment will come after hers. Kakenya* told me “you will shine” to which Yolanda* added “she will be good” and of course there was Helen* who kept saying “just look in my eyes when you are nervous.” But honestly, they are making me tense. The little nervousness grew bigger and bigger.
Nearing the end
March 4, 2010: Posted by Amy of Plan Canada
Preparing for the Boy-Girl Dialogue
March 4, 2010: Posted by Donnady of Plan Philippines
What a beautiful day! I am done with my three events yesterday but oh there’s another one -- the Boy-Girl Dialogue at the Church Center at 4:00 to 5:30pm. I took my shower and ate my breakfast. Then I joined Amy and Saba as they walked around to look for a souvenir shop. I requested them to stop at a restaurant where the food is close to what we eat in the Philippines hoping they would like it there. And they liked it! But we didn’t eat yet, we walked, walked and walked. Then we reached the Chrysler Building. Amy told us to get inside and also take pictures with the view of the building. Finally, we saw what we were looking for – the souvenir shop! Saba bought bags, key chain and stuff toy for her friends and family. Then we had only 10 minutes left and we need to go back to the hotel for Amy’s interview. We hurriedly bought food at the restaurant we saw earlier. I ate with Amy and Saba inside their room.
My big day
March 3, 2010: Posted by Donnady of Plan Philippines
The big day with BAN KI-MOON!!
Day of the girl
March 3, 2010: Posted by Saba, 17
Hey, hey!
I woke up and looked across from me, there was Donnady sleeping, and then I looked the other way and there was Amy. Then a sudden realization hit me…I was in New York! This morning I had my interview live with CHML radio in Hamilton. I had never been live on the radio before and I was seriously nervous. The phone was handed to me before I could even think of what my voice would sound like or more importantly…what I would say. I think I answered the questions pretty well; I talked about Day of the Girl and the problems that I thought girls faced. My family was really proud of me (as they should be).
We went to UNICEF for my “supposed” interview but we had mixed up our schedule and it was not today. So we went to this café and I ended up having a not so yummy breakfast- warning oatmeal doesn’t taste good. Today was the big day for me because today was our event for Day of the Girl! I was super excited and could not wait to present. Read more »
Seeing the UN in Action
March 1, 2010: Posted by Amy, 17
The UN opening session. A girls-only workshop. A tour around the Big Apple to top it off. And a press interview! What else can a girl ask for?
And that is exactly how I felt the whole day. Today offered me an amazing chance to see the UN in action! Yes, there is a lot of jargon I don’t understand but I pride myself in knowing and getting a couple of jokes here and there. The opening session really opened up an opportunity for me to see how the people at the UN level see the problems in gender inequality and the problems girls are facing today. I definitely can’t wait to come back!
Facing the UN building, high on the 11th floor of the Church Centre, I attend the girls-only workshop. This workshop was, in a word, absolutely fantastic! The girls at the workshop have drafted an official “Girls’ Statement” to present at the end of the UN session! Each one of us got to put our opinions and inputs into the document. The discussion also stirred up some issues girls are facing today and how we can solve them.
But in between, we got to tour around the Big Apple by foot! Read more »




