Bringing the Girls Inc. experience to more girls

Sexual harassment and violence is an epidemic in our society. Over the last year, the emergence of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have shed light on these important issues. At Girls Inc., we know this isn’t a problem affecting only adults: 1 in 4 girls will experience sexual violence before she turns 18. Furthermore, 50% of boys report being sexually harassed at some point in high school. This is a problem for us all.

Despite these startling statistics, there is little attention cast on the how these offenses affect school age children. The repercussions of sexual assault, violence and bullying are catastrophic:  86% of girls who have experienced sexual assault have felt down, depressed, or hopeless. Society at large perpetuates negative attitudes and normalizes behaviors that harm girls and follow them into adulthood. At Girls Inc., we understand the importance of breaking the cycle early. Undertaking large scale societal change can seem daunting, but at Girls Inc.: we’re up to the challenge, and we’re starting now.

With your help, Girls Inc. is proud to debut: #GirlsToo: Respect Starts Young. This national advocacy campaign highlights the deeply entrenched norms that harm girls, and the role each of us - youth, educators, parents, friends and supporters - can play in creating a culture that no longer tolerates sexual harassment in any form, and that values and promotes the dignity of girls and all young people.

We are inspired by the voices of girls, and we are dedicated to doing our part in creating the best future possible for each strong, smart, and bold girl. #GirlsToo: Respect Starts Young was conceived by input we received from many of you, and importantly, from Girls Inc. girls, families, and alumnae. We know culture change is hard and will take years, but Girls Inc. is ready to lead, because every person deserves to feel safe and comfortable at school: no matter what.

As one of our friends, we know already that you are invested in girls:  together, we ensure that they don’t just survive, but that they have the resources and skills they need to thrive and reach their full potential. We appreciate the many ways you support girls: your help ensures true change in the lives of each individual girl, but also that we are able to meet the complex needs of girls today and address these larger cyclical and systemic concerns that affect their lives. #GirlsToo would have been impossible without your dedication to the rights and opportunities of all girls and your trust in Girls Inc.

Thank you for your investment in girls and in the change necessary to ensure a better future for us all. Our goals are ambitious and will take collective action by our network of girls, supporters, and partners from coast to coast: join us and take the #GirlsToo pledge today! If you already have, please encourage others to do the same.

We are proud to partner with you, to create a safer, more equitable society for everyone: especially the girls who need us most. Thanks to you, we are working to change the conditions in which our youth are growing up, and create communities where everyone, especially girls, are safe, respected, and valued.   

Warm regards, 

Judy