Before COVID-19, 130 million girls worldwide were out of school. Now, it’s predicted that 20 million more girls will never return.

With the pandemic gutting economies globally and families losing jobs and money, the impact on girls is clear. In this new reality, girls are working outside of the home, facing higher rates of child marriage, or simply picking up more housework and chores as their access to school plummets. Only 25% of low income countries have the means to continue online education, and for the millions of girls without internet access, their academic careers are on indefinite pause.

There is something we can do about it, but we need to act now. Through this #GirlsCantWait campaign, you can help She’s the First fight for girls’ safety now and a successful return to school later. We’re funding solutions that protect girls and ensure their success upon returning to school -- like ensuring mentors are available to check in with girls and building resources for organizations to plan for back-to-school during a pandemic. With the right resources, girls will not only survive this crisis: They’ll emerge as stronger leaders in their communities.

She’s the First fights to ensure girls everywhere are educated, respected, and heard. Your donation will support STF’s work in 11 countries with community-based organizations who are best positioned to support girls during this time. Share this page and get loud using #GirlsCantWait, and together we can prevent a global health crisis from becoming a global girl crisis. 

It’s time to fight for a world where every girl can choose her own future.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Our girl-centered COVID-19 response efforts focus on three pillars:

1. Food, water, and hygiene supplies for girls & families
2. Mentorship programs monitoring girls' safety & mental well-being
3. Providing access to technology & adapting curriculum for remote learning

To date, our COVID-19 Response Fund has:

• Delivered food, water, and menstrual kits to 1,439 girls and their families
• Ensured mentors can reach 6,139 girls
• Adapted education materials and methods reaching 6,810 girls
• Continued funding ongoing program costs for 9,900 girls
• 60+ communities reached

Girls are counting on us. Let’s keep going.