Prioritising Girls

Girls and young women face multiple layers of inequality, often placing them at the bottom of social hierarchies, where they are least visible and heard.

At EMpower, we define an adolescent girl as anyone aged 10–19 who identifies as a girl, and a young woman as anyone aged 20–24 who identifies as such. We acknowledge that traditional labels may not fully capture the complexities and fluid nature of gender identity.

Transformative change in a girl’s life involves engaging her entire ecosystem—family, community, and the institutions she interacts with, from education and healthcare to the economy. It entails building male allyship, recognising that lasting social change and equity in women’s empowerment requires active male education and engagement. Adolescence is a period of significant physical, emotional, and social change, shaped by evolving expectations and norms. The programmes we support take this lifecycle approach: for instance, we recognise that programmes designed for 12-year-olds needs to differ from one for 20-year-olds. 

We see girlhood as dynamic. Girls need opportunities to exercise their power and shape environments that promote their well-being and safety. In 2006, years before the UN declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, EMpower and five other organisations launched the Grassroots Girls Initiative, with support from the Nike Foundation. Over eight years, this initiative strengthened  EMpower’s dedication to prioritising girls’ access to opportunities, skills, and platforms.

We continue to partner with organisations that champion girls' and young women's right to heal, thrive, and lead on their own terms.

Learn More About Our Girls and Gender Strategy