Last Monday, women and men in the United Nations and United States celebrated International Day of the Girl. The movement is one that stands for gender justice and youth rights, and those involved aim to dismantle the patriarchy and fight for social justice for girls across the country.
Dr. Heather Hoover, an English professor and the director of writing at Milligan, said the movement is much more than a hashtag that “disappears from view.”
“The International Day of the Girl is more focused on these basic rights for girls, such as the right to be educated and on partnering with tribal leaders and local villagers to change the way people see girls,” she said.
And the focus on “girl-led activism” is important.
“I love that the organizers are all teens themselves,” she added. “They are all using their voices to speak out not just for themselves, but for others as well.”
Hoover said she would love to see more men and women in dialogue about this important work.
Kaylee Beaudoin, an exercise science student, said the movement should be “part of everyday, and not just confined to one day.”
Elissa Borchert, a business student, tuned into CNN to watch “We Will Rise,” a documentary that featured First Lady Michelle Obama, Meryl Streep, Freida Pinto and Isha Sesay. The one-hour film highlighted girls’ stories as many of them overcame obstacles in Morocco and Liberia.
“I listened to Michelle Obama, who I believe is an amazing role model for girls everywhere,” Borchert said.
The film is now available to stream on CNN Go.