Wishing all our dear friends and supporters a happy International Women’s Day. We celebrate how far we’ve come for women’s and girls’ rights, but also how far we still have to go to live in a world that is free, safe, inclusive and equal in opportunities.

As the year draws to a close we wanted to wish all our dear friends, supporters and well-wishers a great year ahead – thank you for walking this path with us to help level the playing field for disadvantaged girls.

And a BIG thank you to everyone who has contributed to our annual fundraiser! (The campaign will run until Dec 31st just in case anyone still wanted to donate).

And now…a few words from the girls and young women who benefit from your support:

Momtaz Nabizada – Graphic Designer, Herat, Afghanistan

“As a student of graphic design at Code to Inspire (CTI), I can confidently say that it is the best tech education program for girls in Afghanistan. It provided me with a safe and trusted environment, equipped with all the necessary educational facilities. CTI not only prepared me for the professional world but also empowered me to work in Afghanistan or remotely after graduation. CTI has completely transformed my life. I not only became a skilled graphic designer but also had the opportunity to work on several paid projects, earning income for the first time. With an enhanced portfolio and gained experience, CTI opened doors for me that I never imagined possible.” 

Marta – GGRF Athletic Scholar, Bekoji, Ethiopia (pictured below in black blazer)

“My mom died when I was young, so I support myself by making baskets and wall hangings to sell in the market on weekends. But without GGRF, I could not stay in school. I am a runner, but also have other dreams – I want to be a journalist.”

When her husband left, Dasi Alamu from Bekoji, Ethiopia, had to eke out a living to provide for her family of six children. She worked as a laborer and sold goods at the local market.

Dasi credits the Girls Gotta Run Foundation (supported by Project Good for Girls), for helping her family embark on a life-changing path. A former runner herself, and committed to education for her daughters, she accepted for her eldest daughter Sisay to join the GGRF athletic scholars programme in its early days in Bekoji.

Now Ester, her younger daughter, is working hard on her studies and athletics as a current GGRF scholar, and Dasi is an active member of the GGRF Mothers’ Savings Group. Through the group, she gained a support network and was able to start a micro-business, eventually using her earnings to build a house for her family. More good news arrived just this fall, when Sisay (at right), graduated from Addis Ababa University with a degree in accounting.*

Dasi Alamu and her younger daughter Ester, who is currently a GGRF scholar.

*This is a remarkable achievement since education rates for girls in Ethiopia still hover around 25 percent secondary school completion, and just 10% of those with secondary education going on to higher education.