Today in New York, over 50 young women, including Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, gathered to demand that world leaders address the needs of girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future. The group, supported by a coalition of girl-centred non-profit organisations and institutions, has united to present a clear message: it is time for governments to listen to girls and prioritise their demands.
The demonstration, held near the United Nations, featured life-size cutouts of world leaders ironically dressed as “girl experts”. This visual statement aimed to highlight the disconnect between those in power and the voices of the very girls they are meant to serve. Activists emphasised that world leaders cannot claim to know what girls want for their futures; instead, it is the girls themselves who possess the insights and aspirations necessary for shaping a better tomorrow.
Eylul Erçin, a 19-year-old activist from Türkiye, articulated the urgency of the situation. “The time has passed for girls and young women to be treated as mere afterthoughts,” she stated. “Leaders must 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.”
The event is not only a criticism of current government practices but also a proactive call to action. Young women from diverse backgrounds have outlined their expectations for governments and community leaders to contribute to a more equitable future. They demand that their voices be heard and that their needs be addressed in all decision-making processes.
Malala Yousafzai echoed this sentiment, sharing her belief that adults must prioritise the voices of young women. “Even at 27, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want,” she remarked. “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 message from today’s gathering is clear: investing in girls and fulfilling their rights has far-reaching benefits. Such investments not only transform economies but also enhance societal structures and environmental conditions. Advocates argue that empowering girls is crucial for advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building a future that all girls deserve.
As the Summit of the Future approaches, the demands of these young activists remain at the forefront of discussions, pushing for a shift in priorities that recognise and support the aspirations of girls worldwide. The coalition behind today’s demonstration is determined to ensure that the voices of young women are not only heard but also acted upon.
For more information about the campaign and the voices of girls around the world, visit www.whatgirlswant.com.
