Young women activists launch “What Girls Want,” demand world leaders put girls at the centre of the Summit of the Future.
Yesterday in New York City, Malala gathered with more than 50 young women from around the world to take governments to task for failing to prioritise girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future hosted by the United Nations. Activists held signage and stood alongside life-size cutouts of world leaders dressed ironically as “girl experts,” to deliver a strong message: world leaders aren’t the experts on what girls want for their futures – girls are.
The demonstration was coordinated in collaboration with girl-centred organisations, institutions, funders and allies who came together to synthesise the demands of girls at whatgirlswant.com.
The What Girls Want campaign is anchored around work to collate insights, data, and stories from more than 20 public consultations with girls and young women over the past decade, driven by a shared desire to centre girls’ demands in spaces where they are being ignored. Girls are calling for solidarity and justice, demanding that world leaders honour their rights and resource their work.
Eylül Erçin, 19, from Türkiye, shared: "The time has long passed for girls and young women, like me and you, to be treated as mere afterthoughts or last minute considerations. World leaders have a crucial responsibility to include us in the foundational design of these processes, ensuring that our priorities are integrated into shaping the future we will inherit. Anything less is unacceptable."
Nila Ibrahimi, 17 from Afghanistan spoke about how the Taliban are working to erase women and girls from public life. Girls and women cannot go to school past grade 6 or speak in public. They can barely leave their homes. “We should all aim to change that by empowering more girls like me to find success so that they can find the power in their voices to strengthen democracy and human rights,” said Nila. “Let’s work toward that bright future together.”
The event was about more than calling out a process failure. Girls from around the world delivered a forward-looking call to action this week. They expect governments, institutions, and community leaders to step up and help shape a more equitable future.
Alongside fellow activists, Malala said: “Even at the ripe old age of 27, a former girl, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want. Everywhere I go, girls are eager to share their vision for their futures. As adults, it is our job to listen, fund their work and follow their lead. It is not too late for world leaders to do right by girls. They can start by prioritising their demands in tomorrow’s final Summit deliberations and by investing resources to match their words.”
The evidence is clear: investing in girls and delivering on their rights transforms economies, societies, and the environment, advancing the SDGs and building a future that girls deserve.
To find the full list of girls’ demands and learn how you can get involved in demanding change, visit www.whatgirlswant.com.
