As a newcomer to K4Health with a lot to learn about global health and the challenges of girls and women worldwide, I spent the first two weeks in my new position reading all I could about reproductive health and family planning. In the process, stories about the creativity, leadership, and bravery of girls keep rising to the top. The first observance of International Day of the Girl Child brings global focus to girls by making their stories, their obstacles, and their promise more visible. Here are just a few to get started:
Pooja, a 13-year-old from India, found support from her family to continue her education and delay marriage. Watch her story in a video from the Half the Sky Movement.
Catherine Wong, a 17-year-old from New Jersey, invented a portable, inexpensive electrocardiogram that connects to a mobile phone via Bluetooth. Find out more about her big idea.
Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year-old from Pakistan, advocated for girls’ education under the Taliban. She is recovering from surgery after being shot by Taliban gunmen.
