Blog by Donatella Benjamin, SI Representative to the UN in Geneva
During the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, held in Geneva (8 September – 8 October 2025), I had the privilege to represent Soroptimist International at a side event titled ‘Empowering Girls through Education, Protection, Innovation, Global Practices and Norms’, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child.
Organised by the Centre de Liaison des Associations Féminines de Genève (CLAFG), the panel brought together dedicated advocates, leaders, and organisations working to advance girls’ rights, equality and empowerment across the world. Together, we reflected on the challenges millions of girls continue to face, from limited access to education to risks of child marriage and violence, and we shared powerful examples of resilience, progress and collaboration.
The discussions highlighted that empowering girls is not only a moral imperative but a foundation for sustainable peace, equality, and development. Investing in girls means investing in a better future for everyone. Particularly inspiring was the message from Michela G Maccabruni, Executive Director of Mercy Hands Europe. She showcased an impressive number of projects, among which, one in a secondary school in Iraq, where dedicated teachers – trained by Mercy Hands – are teaching girls about Microsoft Office tools and Artificial Intelligence. Girls are discovering a new world, they will develop their ICT and AI skills and will have the chance to participate in observational internships with local ICT companies, gaining first-hand experience in the world of technology and innovation.
The panel discussion was a great opportunity to illustrate the grassroot work of Soroptimist International. More specifically, I could showcase some of our international projects and best practices, with three examples:
- The ‘Ensuring Girls’ Equitable Access to Education’ project, which tackles two major barriers to girls’ education: period poverty and gender-based violence. The initiative, which began in Haiti and Nepal, with plans to expand to The Gambia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, empowers girls by training them to make reusable menstrual pads, manage menstrual health and challenge stigma. SI works with school leaders to create safer environments and promote reporting mechanisms for violence. Community campaigns aim to stop early marriage and encourage equal access to education, building long-term change and challenging harmful gender norms.
- Our project In Paraguay, where we partner with Fundación Moisés Bertoni to support education, environmental stewardship and empowerment through sport and conservation management learning, provides a safe and supportive environment for students—especially girls from remote and indigenous communities, thanks to a boarding school. The project recognises the importance of physical activity in developing leadership, teamwork and self-confidence and it has a strong focus on environmental education. Students are encouraged to become stewards of their natural surroundings.
- Finally, SI’s partnership with the Rose Academies project, in Uganda, empowers girls through practical training. The project focuses on delivering vocational education in baking, tailoring and basic computer literacy—skills that are not only marketable but transformative for communities facing poverty and gender inequality. Computer literacy training opens the door to the digital world, encouraging girls to gain confidence with technology and increasing their access to further education and employment opportunities.
Evidence was given by all the panellists that when girls obtain tools and succeed, entire communities thrive. Education and opportunity are among the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and gender inequality, empowering girls to shape their futures and achieve their individual and collective potential. Together, we can create real and lasting change, stronger and peaceful communities, now and for the future. A heartfelt thank you to the inspiring speakers for their valuable insights and leadership.
Together we reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that every girl has the right to education, safety, dignity, and opportunity, because when girls rise, the world rises with them!
