“I dream of becoming a doctor so that I can save people and be independent.”
At AAH, Mercy’s dreams are nurtured. Her ambitions are resourced, and her curiosity is fed instead of silenced. She is respected, educated, and heard.
"I Feel Loved Here"
“I am accepted for who I am.”
Hulaymatou is a 17-year-old girl from She's the First partner Starfish International in The Gambia. Starfish teaches girls to know their worth, to use their voice for good, and to make money on their own terms.
My name is Hulaymatou, and I feel loved here.
I feel loved at Starfish because ever since I became a Starfish girl, my mentors have consistently shown up for me in every aspect of my life, from home to school, and everything in between. I remember a day when I was feeling really down and didn’t want to do anything. My mentors noticed and took action; they wrote several affirmations on the board for me and had my fellow students sing for me. That moment made me feel incredibly loved. I carry this experience with me every day and make it a point to do the same for my friends whenever they’re not feeling okay.
At home, I don’t feel entirely free to be myself compared to when I’m at Starfish. There are times when I have to do things to please my family, even when it doesn’t feel right for me. At Starfish, I am accepted for who I am and encouraged to express myself without judgment. The freedom and support I get from my mentors and peers at Starfish allow me to embrace my true self in ways I often can’t at home. This environment has taught me how important it is to surround myself with people who uplift and understand me.
I know I am a queen, and I act accordingly. I run a small business that allows me to stay financially independent and take care of my basic needs. And no matter how small my contributions may seem, I am consistently serving my community in any way I can, guided by the Starfish values I hold dear.
From one queen to another,
Hulaymatou
The Space to Dream Campaign is about ensuring that girls in every community have a safe place to go where they feel loved and empowered to change the world. She’s the First partners with grassroots organizations like Starfish International, training local women leaders on feminist mentorship, reproductive health education, and girls’ rights.
As a result, girls feel loved, respected, and worthy. You heard it from Hulaymatou best, no matter how small the contribution, our gifts are valuable and important for creating the world girls everywhere deserve.
Will you give a gift to support a future where all girls feel loved like Hulaymatou?
Maribel’s the first, her sister will be the second.
I was born a queen.
A girl needs a teacher.
Tara Abrahams on Paving the Way for Our Daughters
"What kind of mother do I want to be? What kind of world do I want to help build for the next generation?" When our board chair, Tara Abrahams, learned she was pregnant with her first daughter, she reflected on the world she would raise her in.
"The idea that my child wouldn't have access to the same opportunities—depending on gender identity—just stuck in my gut and wouldn't let go. I've spent the past 15 years creating and supporting movements that advance girls' education, women's empowerment, and gender equality around the world."
Tara is an advocate for girls and women globally, a mom, a storyteller, and a life-long learner. Becoming a mother was the catalyst for her dedication to gender equality; read on for her thoughts on how we all can pave the road a bit smoother for the girls journeying after us.
Mercy Nandutu: A Trailblazer for Girls in Nuclear Engineering in Her Community
Mercy Nandutu is a nuclear engineer earning her second master’s degree—in fact, she’s the first person from her village in Uganda ever to become a nuclear engineer. “If that young girl from my past could witness my journey to becoming a nuclear engineer, she would undoubtedly feel an overwhelming sense of empowerment and possibility,” reflected Mercy. “Seeing my achievements, she would believe that she is capable of overcoming any obstacle and achieving her dreams. She would feel a sense of representation and validation in seeing someone like herself excel in the field.”
Bridging the Distance to Graduation for Girls: She's the First, Never the Last
From a remote Andean village to the graduation stage! Meet Yoselinda, a trailblazer in her family as she becomes the first to earn her high school diploma. In areas where high schools are sparse and resources are scarce, organizations like our Peruvian partner Sacred Valley Project bring solutions. We’re proud to support Yoselinda's journey through education and empowerment!