In a world where girls continue to face systemic challenges, it’s important to recognize their potential and provide them with the tools to succeed. International Day of the Girl serves as a crucial moment to reflect on the barriers girls face, but our efforts to empower them should extend every day. By actively supporting girls through education, advocacy, and inspiration, we can help girls across the United States and worldwide overcome obstacles and thrive in their communities.

The Importance of Supporting Young Girls

Providing girls with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed isn’t just about investing in their futures — it’s about shaping the future of our communities and society. When empowered, girls are more likely to become confident leaders, innovators, industry-shapers, and change-makers. In essence, supporting young girls is fundamental to achieving gender equality and cultivating a more inclusive society.

How to Empower Girls in 10 Meaningful Ways

Every girl has the potential to shape the future; however, many face barriers such as limited access to education, gender discrimination, and lack of role models. But all is not lost. We can help break down these barriers and unlock girls’ full potential by acting collectively with purpose.

Challenge gender stereotypes

From a young age, girls are often confined by limiting stereotypes. Combat this by encouraging girls to pursue interests outside traditional gender roles such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as leadership and sports. It’s vital to foster environments where girls can break free from outdated notions and feel empowered to follow their passions, whether in coding, carpentry, or anything else that excites them.

Advocate for equal education opportunities

Despite being a fundamental right, education is still denied to countless girls worldwide. Supporting girls’ empowerment therefore requires advocating for equitable educational opportunities. This involves working with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations to address issues such as school fees, transportation, and cultural norms. Community-based programs, including building schools and offering scholarships, can further make a substantial contribution to girls’ educational development. When girls have access to quality education, they can gain knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and build a bedrock for a brighter future.

Stimulate their imagination

Creative expression is key to helping girls discover their unique voices and ideas. Encourage girls to engage in activities that tap into their creativity such as writing, painting, acting, or coding. Providing the resources and space for girls to explore their creativity not only enhances their problem-solving skills but also gives them the confidence to think outside the box and innovate in their futures.

Build their confidence

Confidence is the foundation of success. Help girls build self-assurance by encouraging them to speak up, take risks, and step into leadership roles. Whether it’s through public speaking, joining sports teams, or participating in debate clubs, girls need experiences that challenge them and help them grow. Affirm their strengths and celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to show them that their contributions matter.

Protect girls’ rights and safety

Protecting girls from discrimination, violence, and exploitation is essential for their empowerment, making it imperative to advocate for policies that safeguard their rights. It’s our collective responsibility to build safe environments where girls can live without fear; we must support organizations that work to end child marriage, trafficking, and gender-based violence. Moreover, we must educate girls about their rights and embolden them to speak up against injustice.

Develop their leadership skills

Girls have the potential to become tomorrow’s leaders, but they need the right opportunities to practice leadership. Motivate girls to take on leadership roles in school, sports, or community service projects where they can build skills in teamwork, decision-making, and communication. Provide leadership training or programs that empower them to envision themselves as future CEOs, politicians, and change-makers.

Expose them to positive role models

Girls need to see women in positions of power to believe that they can also achieve great things. Introduce girls to positive female role models in various fields: scientists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and activists. Programs such as Play Like a Girl’s Meet + Mentor connect girls with accomplished women who can offer guidance, inspiration, and support, helping girls develop a clearer vision of what they can be when they grow up.

Nurture social and emotional learning

Emotional intelligence is just as vital to a girl’s growth as her academic achievements, making it essential to teach girls how to manage their emotions, empathize with others, and handle social interactions with confidence. Hold open conversations about stress management, coping strategies, and mental health, both at home and in school. When girls are emotionally strong, they’re better equipped to handle challenges and grow into resilient adults.

Encourage them to embrace failure

Everyone experiences setbacks, but it’s how girls overcome challenges that determines their future success. Enable girls to see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than as a defining moment. Celebrate effort and persistence, and remind them that the path to success is often paved with obstacles. Teaching girls to embrace challenges with a growth mindset will build their resilience and determination.

Support their dreams

Above all, girls need the freedom and support to dream big. Whether they aspire to become engineers, artists, activists, or anything else, show girls that their dreams are valid and achievable. Provide them with the tools, education, and encouragement they need to pursue their passions. By being their cheerleaders and mentors, we can help girls believe in their potential and create pathways for their success.

Empowering girls is a collective effort that requires action, support, and advocacy. At Play Like a Girl, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to achieve her dreams and thrive in a world that supports her aspirations. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or advocating, every effort counts. Partner with us to create lasting change and open doors for young girls to thrive in sport, STEM, and leadership.