By Kylie Schuyler and Crystal Sprague According to UNICEF, an estimated 1.8 billion menstruators across the world, including girls, women, and gender non-binary persons, cannot manage their monthly cycle in a dignified, healthy way. In normal times, menstrual hygiene needs can go unmet due to the effects of poverty and gender inequality, and are…
Global G.L.O.W. had been planning to go big for May 28th, Menstrual Hygiene Day 2020 – a full day of education and activities celebrated by all of our girls and mentors around the globe. Then COVID-19 happened. Schools closed, our clubs closed, Safer at Home orders and social distancing became the “new normal”. We struggled…
Our partners are always thinking of innovative ways to keep girls engaged and active, even now, considering they cannot meet with them in person. Fundación Bibliotec in Calí, Colombia, went the extra mile last month when they invited their club members to participate in a creative writing short story contest. G.L.O.W.-Bibliotec Partnership Coordinator, Alejandra Peláez…
In March of this year, Abigael was set to join Global G.L.O.W. and seven of her peers from around the world to present at the United Nations in New York City as part of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Abigael recognized that poverty in her community in Kenya was disproportionately affecting girls…
“Growing up, I read a lot of books. My love of books started when I felt bullied in school or when I felt inadequate during my teen years. I would get away by escaping into another reality in the world of books.” – Phoebe, Global G.L.O.W. Program Coordinator from Milele in Kenya. Books truly…
By: Olivia Jaffe-Pachuilo and Crystal Sprague Girls and women, especially those in vulnerable communities, are much more impacted by a health emergency. Though COVID-19 is novel, the effects of a pandemic are not. Research shows that global health emergencies such as the one we are in now are particularly hard on girls and women,…
COVID-19 is a global pandemic. By its very definition, it has reached nearly every country around the world and has impacted just about every global citizen. While it’s true that we are “all in this together,” this looks very different depending on your location, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. In particular, girls and women are…
Editors Note: The following is a powerful story written by Sally Wairerah, a Global G.L.O.W. mentor in Kenya. “Everybody needs someone whom they can trust. Trust is a virtue that not many people have. I started my mentorship journey passionately aware that there is so much to learn. I got so thrilled connecting with…
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the field for 19 years and have been working in New York City Public Schools since 2015. I was hired at the Angelo Patri Middle School, (MS 391), 13 years ago. The school is located in a community that is underserved and many of…
In October, my Global G.L.O.W. colleague Gabby and I had the opportunity to visit our U.S. partners at Springboard to Opportunities and meet with Partnership Coordinator Sarah Stripp. The last time I was in Mississippi I was 8 years old – that year, my mom got a job that moved us from Southern Miss…
This year, Global G.L.O.W. celebrated International Day of the Girl locally with two of our HerStory partners in The Bronx: Bronx Academy of Letters and The Girl’s Circle. As a native New Yorker, I was ecstatic to meet and spend the day with young women who share my home and guide them on a fun-filled,…
Dr. Ugochi Ohajuruka is a public health practitioner and the founder of Global G.L.O.W. HerStory partner Health Aid For All Initiative (HAFAI) in Nigeria. As an incredibly strong, accomplished woman who works alongside girls every day, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ugochi about the importance of supporting and empowering girls from a…
Jun was just 14 years old when she left her village in Thailand and traveled to the city to be a part of Global G.L.O.W.’s HerStory programming. While she was excited about the opportunity ahead of her, she had no idea just how much her life was about to change. In her village, there…
According to Feeding America, 41 million people in the United States face hunger every day. In communities like Windsor Valley, Maryland, many families are single-parent households that struggle to put enough food on the table. Global G.L.O.W. HerStory participants from Springboard to Opportunities recognized the need for change and decided to take action. They designed…
At its core, Social Emotional Learning is “the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” (Source: CASEL) There are five core…
Every day girls around the world still face insurmountable challenges related to their period. 250 million girls in low- and middle-income communities don’t have access to menstrual supplies. In places like India, some women are forced to line their underwear with leaves, soil and even ash. Nearly one-third of women have no access to a…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to not only increase the conversation around mental health in general, but also to pause and check in with ourselves and our own well-being. The American Psychology Association states that women are more likely than men to report having a great deal of stress, which can have…
Since 1949, Mental Health America and its affiliates have recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S. For 31 days, the organization reaches millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. While we’re grateful for this added spotlight on mental health, our work on the ground with girls around the world…
Worldwide, an estimated 780 million people do not have access to clean water (source: CDC). Unsafe drinking water, inadequate availability of water for hygiene and lack of access to sanitation contribute to a high rate of illness in vulnerable countries. In some communities, like Cerrito, Peru, clean water is sporadically available only through delivery by…
Have you ever opened a book and completely lost yourself in it? There’s nothing like the smell of an old book or being swept into the world of a great piece of literature. Some of our favorite books are ones that combine the joy of reading with amplifying the voices of strong girls and women.…
For so many of us, the world can feel like such a huge place that it is hard to relate to people that live oceans away. Our blog series, A Day in the Life, is meant to give you a detailed look at girls in Global G.L.O.W. HerStory programming across the globe so you can better…
Every day and all around the world, radio stations are playing songs that portray women and girls in objectifying and misogynistic ways. The unfortunate result is females begin to internalize these lyrics and their self worth is negatively affected. According to the American Psychological Association, media influences, including music lyrics, can interfere with cognitive functioning,…
By the time a girl reaches puberty, her self-esteem will have fallen by as much as 30% (source: The Atlantic). Girls today face many variables that negatively impact their confidence; from social media, to bullying from peers, to a mischaracterization of women and girls in the media. When girls don’t feel valued, they have a…
For so many of us, the world can feel like such a huge place that it is hard to relate to people that live oceans away. Our new blog series, A Day in the Life, is meant to give you a detailed look at girls in Global G.L.O.W. HerStory programming across the globe so you…
Positive affirmations can go a long way in brightening someone’s day and helping them feel confident and empowered. This Valentine’s Day, spread girl love by sharing these positive affirmation Valentines with your girl gang, co-workers and loved ones (or display one to remind yourself just how awesome you are!) Simply click the button below to…
Global G.L.O.W. HerStory mentor Virginia Bulacio (Vivi) was 15 when she arrived in the United States with her family from Santiago Del Estero, Argentina. Growing up in the small town, Vivi lacked access to vital resources and opportunity. In search of a better life, she and her family immigrated to Los Angeles. At first, Vivi…
We’ve accomplished a lot this year – from strengthening over 7,000 girls in weekly clubs and summits worldwide to launching a new health and wellness program – and we couldn’t have done it without our community of supporters. This giving season, we’ve launched the Champion a Girl to Change the World campaign with the goal of raising $150,000.…
2018 has been quite a year for us at Global G.L.O.W. We’ve had the opportunity to visit some of our partners at Glow Clubs around the world, meet new friends and supporters locally and abroad, and we began piloting our newest initiative, Healthy Glow. In addition to each of these things, one of our favorite…
On International Day of the Girl last month, Global G.L.O.W.’s HerStory participant Shreeya from Nepal gave a moving and poignant speech to a packed room at the United Nations. She spoke about the dowry system and its negative implications on girls and young women in her local community. Her declaration, “a girl is not an…
For many girls, getting their first period can be an uneasy and tumultuous time. It is often accompanied by significant emotional changes, along with an onslaught of uncomfortable physical symptoms. But for some girls around the world who don’t have access to menstrual supplies, their first period also means they are no longer able to…
Child marriage. Poverty. Lack of access to education and proper healthcare. Girls in the United States and around the world continue to face barriers every day that keep them from thriving and becoming the leaders and change makers of tomorrow. At Global G.L.O.W., we empower girls to advocate for themselves and use their voices to…
Next week, we will join girls and women around the world to celebrate International Day of the Girl on Thursday, October 11th. The day was declared by the United Nations as one “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full…
We are days away from the 2018 Global HerStory Summit, which kicks off in New York City on October 8th! More than 40 HerStory Ambassadors from nine program sites across the world will gather to design and share action plans for bringing real change to girls in their local communities. Previously, we highlighted each of the…
Next month, 50 HerStory ambassadors and mentors will travel to New York City from 10 program sites across the world to design and share action plans for bringing real change to their local communities. Many HerStory girls face tremendous barriers every day and continue to push forward toward transformation. They inspire us all! Over the…
This is an exciting time here at Global G.L.O.W.: we have launched the first pilot for our newest program, Healthy G.L.O.W., to specifically address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of adolescent girls. Through our HerStory campaign, we mentor more than 6,000 girls in 27 countries to encourage self-expression and self-advocacy. We lead by listening.…
When girls form strong friendships, they support one another and feel more confident advocating for what they need. We love watching HerStory girls support, raise and positively challenge one another to grow. Meet two great friends who are in the HerStory program in Southern California: 8th graders Ashley Gallardo and Zulam Palacios. Whether they are…
The very first day I met my Jill Ekonian at work, I knew I had just met a great future colleague. What I didn’t realize was that I was meeting my best friend, mentor and one of my greatest supporters. In early 2010, I was working in Human Resources for a fortune 500 company. I…
Is there anything stronger than a circle of fierce female friends? It’s a question my own circle of fierce female friends debate whenever we’re all together. There’s six of us in this friendship circle, and it dates back to 1999 when we found ourselves all at the same junior high together. That means, we’ve experienced…
Meet our newest HerStory Partnership Coordinator, Morgan Bringswhite! Morgan is excited to be bringing the HerStory Campaign to girls of Rapid City, South Dakota and we’re absolutely delighted to have her as part of our HerStory team. Morgan is a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian…
By Marah Stevenson, HerStory Southern California Program Coordinator When I was younger, I fell victim to the insidious, patriarchal belief that other girls were competition, and therefore, not to be trusted completely. Every friendship with a girl until my junior year in college fizzled out as a result of this mentality. And then, I met…
In many parts of the world, June is a time to celebrate Fathers Day and all the meaningful contributions that fathers and father figures make each day in the lives of children. We want to take this opportunity to recognize male allies who inspire and uplift girls and women everywhere. Male allies have a role to…
June 11, 2018 Global GLOW’s HerStory programming grows with girls to meet their needs as we work to strengthen and support them in advocating for themselves. Girls start attending our weekly afterschool HerStory LitClubs from ages 10-12, move on to HerStory GLOW Clubs from ages 13-14, and then HerStory Teen Clubs for high school age…
By Kylie Schuyler, Global G.L.O.W. Founder and CEO May 27, 2018 About half the world’s population gets a period once a month for a few days. Nothing occuring in our species could be more normal, natural, or vital than females menstruating. So if it’s so normal, why do we need to have a Menstrual Awareness…
Earlier this month, 36 girls and three mentors gathered for a local HerStory Summit at the Marcus Garvey Academy Media Center in Detroit. Here’s a Summit recap and photos from our Detroit Regional Coordinator, Cynthia Coble: Everyone gathered together and sang and danced to the Hello Song, then assembled on the carpet near a photograph…
When the HerStory Campaign team and I first landed in Haiti, I was taken back by the beautiful hills, the charming street markets and the warm people. As we drove further into Haiti, however, I started to notice remnants of the 2010 earthquake. The capital city, Port-au-Prince, still has debris, broken car windows and dilapidated…
Mothers have given us so much! Whether it’s a mother, grandmother, stepmother, godmother or any woman who’s made a difference, show her how much you appreciate her with this unique gift. Honor her unconditional love by giving her a gift that gives back. Your gift will help strengthen girls across the world like she has…
130 million school-age girls throughout the world aren’t going to school today. If they were, they would be taking a step that greatly increases their chances of growing into strong, independent women. Women who will one day be able to provide for their families, advocate for themselves and others, and participate in the formal economy.…
During our recent HerStory Summit in Detroit, 50 girls from three different LitClubs throughout the city came together to participate in a fun interpretive art activity. Each girl received a list of quotes from famous African-Americans. Together they reviewed all the quotes, then each girl selected one that personally resonated with her. After sharing in…
Earlier this month at the United Nations in New York, I stood beside Lilibeth, a 17-year-old girl from the Philippines, as she declared, “Strong girls like me are the hope for the future. We are the change-makers. I may be small, but I have a big voice.” I could not agree more. Lilibeth was sharing…
At Global G.L.O.W., when we are not reading poems by fierce woman poets, we’re writing them. In this post you will: Learn one of Global G.L.O.W.’s signature activities, the “I am Poem” Read sample poems written by girls from some of our Southern California programs Have the chance to write your own “I Am” Poem…
Finding My Purpose in Empowering Girls Celebrating International Day of The Girl Kylie Schuyler, Founder and CEO “In a rural poverty-stricken community, the difference just one educated girl makes can positively impact hundreds of lives.” Today, we celebrate International Day of the Girl, a day declared by the United Nations to “help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm…
One Child, One Book, One Pen Can Change the WorldBack to school is an exciting time for many children and families. However, countless children go to class without essential school supplies and basic clothing items they need to succeed. During the month of September we are collecting retail gift cards in any amount to give to the…
Importance of Female Role Models Providing girls with dynamic mentorship and real world strong female role models are at the core of everything we do. One way we like to introduce girls to these positive, professional female role models and vice versa is through what we call the “G.L.O.W. Show”— an open and honest dialogue…
The Global G.L.O.W. and LitWorld teams recently visited girls and partners in Cambodia and Thailand, where the HerStory Campaign expanded its literacy and mentorship programs last year. It was an inspiring week of mentor trainings, art workshops, storytelling, community building and bonding between the HerStory team, the local girls and mentors, and our community-based partner…
In October, Global G.L.O.W. and LitWorld had the opportunity to visit HerStory Campaign partners in Kenya where we serve over 1000 girls. Though I have traveled around the world and experienced the tremendous impact of HerStory in many countries, this visit to Kenya was truly the most transformative of my life! The HerStory girls and…
Global Girls interview with WKE Inc.’s Allison Jenney, Technical Writer and Flora Zepeda, Transportation Engineer. Thank you for inviting my colleague Flora Zepeda and I to the GLOW House. It was a pleasure to meet your wonderful girls and share our career paths. One of the most heartwarming moments was watching young girls courageously speak their minds with…
Global G.L.O.W. was thrilled to be invited to partner with Team Kids at their first annual Servathon Across America bus tour this summer. G.L.O.W. Girls Jordan McFarland and Allison Hernandez joined forty teens on this innovative service project tour across 14 states. Team Kids empowers the next generation of compassionate leaders through youth-led, school and community based…
I remember the day I first found out about the trip. Sue pulled me out of an art workshop in the GLOW house and explained everything, I was thrilled. My friends who were going with me and I were exited, sometimes I couldn’t even sleep. I told my friends and my family and most of…
Hello, my name is Lesley Luna and I’m going to talk about my amazing experience in New York. At New York the Global G.L.O.W. program gathered girls from different states and countries for the story summit. The event took place at Le Parker Meridian and some of my favorite things we did were singing in a…
Global G.L.O.W. girls in Santa Ana got a huge treat this summer when photojournalist Virginia Bulacio conducted a two-day photography workshop called “Where I am from, Where I am now, Where I am going.” Here is a sample of some of their work. About Virginia Bulacio: Born in Argentina, Virginia’’s work includes print, radio and…
Dear Global Girls, I remember the day Kylie Schuyler came to NOVA and mentioned an all-girls after school program. The program immediately caught my attention and I was inclined to find out more about it. I went to the first meeting out of curiosity, then I stuck around. Through this non-profit organization I got the…
Global G.L.O.W. Hosts Free Summer Art Camp for Girls at Chin’s Push in Highland Park For the first time this summer, Global G.L.O.W. expanded its summer art camps to Los Angeles. The camp was held at Chins’s Push, a contemporary art gallery in Highland Park that features emerging artists from all over the world. During…
Author: Lisa Anderson, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Women Moving Millions Every girl has a story. She grows stronger and the world conversation becomes richer when she tells it, as the first Global HerStory Summit vividly illustrated. There was Yasmina, a slender young woman from Nepal, who boldly told a packed auditorium, “No one has the…
Day 1 Our visit to Haiti was an incredible moment for us to deepen our work with our partners, the TOYA Foundation and the Children of Haiti Project (COHP) and envision how we can grow together. We began our visit by spending time with the girls, a rejuvenating experience after a long travel day. We…
Educating girls is the key to prosperity in the Third World, according to a study by Kenneth Hadden, an associate professor of agricultural and resource economics. Hadden and his co-author, sociologist Bruce London of Clark University in Worcester, Mass., found that developing countries that educated girls to the same degree as they educated boys benefitted…
BALIZENDA, Ethiopia — Fatimah Bamun dropped out of Balizenda Primary School in the first grade, more than three years ago, when her father refused to buy her pencils and paper. Only after teachers convinced him that his daughter showed unusual promise did he relent. Today Fatimah, 14, tall and slender, studies math and Amharic, Ethiopia’s…
Many children in the Global South do not have access to primary education. “113 million children of primary school age are still not enrolled in school, 94% of which live in developing countries,” (Glewwe 2006: 948). “Less than one youth in two enters junior secondary school and less than one in four enters senior secondary…