The Girl Effect
by Jennifer Cooper, posted on October 4th, 2011 in Features
Photo credit: Dave K Cooper
Remember last month when I wrote the world could use a good kick in the pants? The title was taken from The Girl Effect.
Today, hundreds of bloggers, like me, are joining together to start the girl effect. It is a grass roots movement to highlight the problems girls around the world face today. The movement isn’t asking for your money, it’s asking for your voice. It’s asking for you to stand up and say, girls can be the answer.
75 percent of 15- to 24-year-olds living with HIV in Africa are female, up from 62 percent in 2001.
Research in developing countries has shown a consistent relationship between better infant and child health and higher levels of schooling among mothers.
One girl in seven in developing countries marries before age 15.
70% of the world’s 130 million out-of-school children are girls.
But this movement isn’t just about girls, it’s about boys, women, men, me and you.
So today, take a moment to visit The Girl Effect . Tweet it, facebook it, tell a friend about this movement to end poverty. When we talk about something and push it into the consciousness of others, paradigms shift, behaviors change. We become aware.
What are some other ways to help? Think about donating a micro-loan this holiday season, ask those running for office what they’ll do to end poverty around the world, use the power of your vote, support a school or charity.
Believe in the power of a girl.
