October 11, 2024 

Today, on the International Day of the Girl, YWCA USA stands in solidarity with girls everywhere as we celebrate their strength, resilience, and limitless potential. This day is a powerful reminder of both the tremendous contributions girls make to our society and the still persistent barriers girls face in achieving equality.  

With a strong network of nearly 200 Local Associations, from YWCA Lincoln in Nebraska to YWCA Lubbock in Texas, our movement is committed to uplifting young people. We work every day to ensure that all girls—particularly girls of color and those from marginalized communities—are seen, heard, and empowered. 

Girls deserve equal opportunities to pursue education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Despite progress, oppression and inequity still exist within these fields. To build a world where girls are free from racism and sexism, and can thrive with justice and equity, girls must be at the forefront of designing their futures. 

That is why, this summer, YWCA collaborated on an innovative, girl-led process to enhance and refresh the TechGYRLS™ program. Girl leaders from YWCAs in Green Bay, Northeast Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia partnered with Dr. Richard Rende, a researcher and thought leader in developmental science and founder of Social Behavioral Research Applications, to create a new, girl-centered evaluation tool. 

The updated program will equip girls with the skills to navigate technology-driven fields, ensuring that STEM within TechGYRLS™ remains relevant and responsive to their experiences. This marks the first major update to the program in nearly two decades and the revised programming will soon be available nationwide at YWCA camps, leadership, and afterschool programs. To learn more about our efforts to empower a new generation of tech-savvy girls, click here. 

In addition to TechGYRLS™, in partnership with Ulta Charitable Beauty Foundation, YWCA is thrilled to announce the expansion of its innovative "Pretty Empowered" initiative to eight local YWCA locations across the country on November 2, 2024. Next month, YWCA will convene girls across the country for a day of education, empowerment, and STEM activities. In partnership with YWCA Metro Chicago, eight local associations will activate programming focused on career exploration and well-being.  

"Pretty Empowered" is designed to engage students through a series of interactive sessions that focus on various aspects of cosmetic science, supply chain logistics, leadership, and career exploration. The program emphasizes the importance of leadership development, the exploration of STEM fields, and overall wellness, aiming to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders. 

Day of the Girl reminds us that investing in the leadership and well-being of girls is an investment in our future. We must continue to dismantle the systemic inequities that hold girls back, ensure they have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and foster environments where they can confidently claim their power and voice. We must remember, these young girls will be tomorrow’s leaders. Our desire is to empower each to thrive in a system created, developed, and co-designed by them. 

As we honor the incredible impact of girls around the world, YWCA USA recommits to advancing justice and equity for all girls. Together, we will continue to fight for a world where every girl can grow up safe, respected, and empowered. 

In solidarity, 

Margaret Mitchell, CEO 

YWCA USA