News & Stories
Voices from the movement
Stories and perspectives on the challenges girls face, the change they’re creating, and the futures they’re shaping.
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The Case for Menstrual Leave: Why We Offer Paid Time Off for Periods
Read the story: The Case for Menstrual Leave: Why We Offer Paid Time Off for PeriodsIn 2026, women continue to navigate barriers in the workplace that make it harder for them to advance in their careers. Their periods should not be one of them. That’s why Global Catalyst is proud to support and advocate for menstrual leave policies in workplaces worldwide — and we’re leading by example. In honor of…
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The Case for Menstrual Leave: Why We Offer Paid Time Off for Periods
In 2026, women continue to navigate barriers in the workplace that make it harder for them to advance in their careers. Their…
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Meet 3 Youth Leaders in the U.S. Solving Local Problems with Big Ideas
When we think about the challenges facing our communities and our world, we often look to experts, institutions, and adults in positions…
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15 Years. 100,000 Girls. One Bold Vision. This Is Global Catalyst.
Over the past 15 years, Global Girls Glow has equipped girls in some of the world’s most underserved areas with the skills…
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Their Voices, Their Dreams: Two Stories of Girls’ Education in Pakistan
In Pakistan, a girl’s education is still far from guaranteed. An estimated 13.4 million girls are out of school in the country…
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8 Girls’ Education Facts Everyone Should Know This Back-to-School Season
Back-to-school season can make education feel like a given. A new school year begins, students return to classrooms, and learning picks up…
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Bolivia Has Achieved Political Parity. Why Are Girls Still So Unsafe?
By Michele Coleman, Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. Bolivia looks good on paper. A parity law passed in 2010 requires equal…
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How to Speak With Confidence and Use Your Voice for Impact: 5 Tips From a Vocal Coach
In this special guest blog, GLOW ally and vocal coach Jessica Doyle-Mekkes shares 5 expert tips that will help girls, allies, and…
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A Summer Bucket List for Girls Who Want to Make a Difference
Every girl has the power and potential to be a changemaker. And while summer is absolutely a time to rest and have…
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10 Confidence-Building Questions to Spark Reflection and Growth for Girls This Summer
Girls are often told that growing means doing more, like trying something new, or taking on something bigger. But oftentimes, confidence begins…
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Deprioritization Has a Cost — and Girls Are Paying It First
By Riya Thakur, Global Advocacy Manager Wars don’t just kill people. They defund girls’ futures. And right now, that future, for millions…
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Witnessing the Human Impact of USAID Cuts on a Refugee Camp Left Behind
On July 1, 2025, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was officially shut down. Critical public health, education, nutrition, and violence-prevention…
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6 Fun, Meaningful SEL Activities to Help Girls Develop Confidence and Advocacy Skills
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is one of the most effective ways for girls to learn how to understand themselves, build healthy…
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10 Ways Fathers Can Raise Confident Girls Who Believe in Themselves
Recent research indicates that girls with involved, affirming father figures tend to develop stronger self-esteem, take more risks, and are more likely to pursue leadership…
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The Global Catalyst Summer Reading List: 15 Books That Celebrate Girls and Women
Books have the power to challenge our perspectives, spark new ideas, and remind us of the strength found in stories — and…
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It’s Time We Start Calling Menstrual Stigma What It Is: A Form of Violence Against Girls
Consider a 13-year-old girl. Call her Amara, though she has thousands of names, and she lives on every continent. She woke up…
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7 Eye-Opening Period Poverty Statistics Everyone Should Know
Period poverty — which is the lack of access to menstrual products, clean facilities, and proper menstrual health education — strips people…
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How Many States Have a Period Tax? The Hidden Cost of Menstrual Products in the U.S.
When we talk about menstrual inequity, it’s easy to picture it as a problem happening somewhere else — in rural communities without…
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We Condemn Child Marriage Abroad. It’s Time We End It At Home.
A judge signed a form, and a 16-year-old became a wife. This happened in the United States. Emily stood in a courtroom…
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Women’s History in the Making: 6 Girls Leading Change Today
Every year in March, we honor the bold, brave, resilient women throughout history who refused to stay silent and accept injustice. This…
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For This Teen Mother in Kenya, Mentorship Was a Lifeline
At Global Catalyst, we know intimately from our work in underserved communities around the world that mentorship can completely change the course…
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Youth Advocates Speak on Access to Justice: 5 Takeaways from Our Global Dialogue
At the 70th annual Commission on the Status of Women, global leaders gathered to discuss one of the most urgent issues facing…
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This International Women’s Day, We Need Accountability — Not Applause
Every year in March, the global community comes together to commemorate International Women’s Day: to celebrate progress, achievements, and so-called “advancements” in…
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Khloe Thompson: From Kare Bags to Global Impact, and What It Really Takes
Global Catalyst believes in the power of girls to lead, create, and inspire. Our new series, The Ally Series, puts youth changemakers…
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The Reality of Being a Teenager in Córdoba, Argentina
By Azul, from Argentina Many people think adolescence is a curse, a period full of problems. But being a teenager is actually…
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When Summer Hurts: Adolescence, Relationships, and Lessons on Rights
By Azul, from Argentina Hello, my name is Azul, and today I want to share a story about being a teenager. It…
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Protagonists of Change: Breaking the Silence for Menstrual Dignity
Community Report: From Suffering in Silence to Turning Need into Empowerment, by Ángeles and Ruth, from Paraguay The conversation around menstruation in…
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Learning to Protect What’s Ours: A Girl’s Journey in Sexual and Reproductive Rights
By Estela (14), from Colombia In my community, many girls like me grow up believing that feeling unsafe in the streets is…
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Reflections from Peru: Girls’ Voices for a Better Future
By Romina, Yanela, and Zharick, from Peru In Peru, we currently live in a society where women’s votes are not given the…
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Women of the Sea: How Huanchaco’s Girls Are Leading Environmental Change
By Valeria and Saina from Peru Huanchaco is a seaside town located in the northern region of Peru. It is considered worldwide…
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