The impact of She Leads

Context in Geneva

Through She Leads, girls and young women not only influenced decisions in their own communities and countries but also gained access to international human rights spaces. In Geneva, participants took part in meetings of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), where governments, UN agencies and civil society organisations come together to discuss and advance human rights around the world.

She Leads participants travelled to Geneva on multiple occasions to engage directly with diplomats, governments and UN representatives. By sharing their experiences and recommendations, they ensured that the perspectives of girls and young women were included in international discussions on child marriage, climate change, media literacy and youth participation. At the same time, they demonstrated the important role young people can play in shaping international human rights policies.

Context in New York

Through She Leads, girls and young women not only influenced decisions in their own communities and countries but also gained access to global decision-making spaces. In New York, participants took part in major United Nations (UN) events, including the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), where governments, UN agencies and civil society organisations come together to advance gender equality worldwide.

By sharing their experiences, meeting directly with policymakers and speaking at international events, girls and young women brought the realities of their daily lives into global discussions. Their recommendations helped strengthen conversations on girls’ rights, youth participation, gender equality and child marriage, while demonstrating the important role young people can play in shaping international policy.

Context in Mali

In Mali, She Leads worked at national level in the capital Bamako and in cities including Ségou, Sikasso, Mopti and Gao. In these regions, girls and young women often face barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Traditional gender norms, limited representation in leadership positions and harmful practices such as child marriage continue to restrict their opportunities to influence decisions. Ongoing insecurity and conflict in parts of the country have created additional challenges.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country are increasingly making their voices heard. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and work alongside community leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions. As a result, they gained a stronger voice in their communities, schools and decision-making processes at local and national level.

Context in Lebanon

In Lebanon, She Leads worked at national level, in the capital Beirut and communities across Southern Lebanon. Here, girls and young women often face barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Traditional gender norms, unequal opportunities and limited influence in public life continue to restrict their participation. Ongoing political and economic crises, combined with rising insecurity along the southern border, have created additional challenges for girls and young women.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country are increasingly making their voices heard. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and work alongside community leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions. As a result, they gained a stronger voice in their communities, schools and decision-making processes at local and national level.

Context in Jordan

In Jordan, She Leads worked at national level and in cities including the capital Amman, Irbid, Madaba and Ajloun. Here, girls and young women often face barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Traditional gender norms, limited opportunities for young women in public life and restrictions on their participation in decision-making continue to make it difficult for many girls and young women to influence the decisions that shape their future.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country are increasingly making their voices heard. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and work alongside community leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions. As a result, they gained a stronger voice in their communities, schools and decision-making processes at local and national level.

Context in Ghana

In Ghana, She Leads worked at national level and across regions including the Ashanti, and the Upper West and North East regions. Here, girls and young women often face barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Traditional gender norms, limited representation in leadership positions and unequal opportunities continue to restrict their influence in schools, communities and public life.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country have increasingly organised, advocated and claimed space in decision-making processes. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and work alongside community leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions. As a result, they gained a stronger voice in their communities, schools and decision-making processes at local and national level.

Context in Liberia

In Liberia, She Leads worked at national level and across counties including Bomi, Bong, Lofa, Montserrado and Nimba. Here, deeply rooted gender norms, limited representation in leadership positions and high levels of gender-based violence continue to make it difficult for many girls and young women to influence decisions that affect their lives.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country are increasingly making their voices heard. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and work alongside community leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions. As a result, they gained a stronger voice in their communities, schools and decision-making processes at local and national level.

Context in Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, She Leads worked on a national level and across districts including Koinadugu, Moyamba, Port Loko and the Western Area. Here, girls and young women have long faced barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Deeply rooted gender norms, limited representation in leadership and politics, and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation have often restricted their opportunities to influence decisions.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country have increasingly organised, advocated and claimed space in decision-making processes. Through She leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and amplify their voices at local, national and international level.

Context in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, She Leads worked at national level from the capital Addis Ababa, and in various regions like Amhara, Oromia and Tigray. Here, girls and young women have long faced barriers like harmful gender norms, child marriage and unequal opportunities that have restricted their ability to influence decisions.

These challenges became even greater when armed conflict in the Amhara-region escalated in 2023, which led to school closures, disrupted community activities and increased the risk of gender-based violence, child marriage and other forms of exploitation.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country have increasingly organised, advocated and claimed space in decision-making processes. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and amplify their voices at local, national and international level.

Context in Kenya

In Kenya, She Leads worked at national level and primarily in two famous ‘slums’ of  Nairobi: Kibera and Mathare. Here, girls and young women often face barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Traditional gender norms, unequal opportunities and limited representation in leadership positions continue to restrict their influence in schools, communities and public life. Girls and young women with disabilities often face additional barriers to participation and leadership.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country are increasingly making their voices heard. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and work alongside community leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions. As a result, they gained a stronger voice in their communities, schools and decision-making processes at local and national level.

Context in Uganda

In Uganda, She Leads worked at national level and in districts including the capital Kampala, Kamuli, Gulu, Kyenjojo and Arua. In these areas, girls and young women often face barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Traditional gender norms, unequal opportunities and limited representation in leadership positions continue to make it difficult for many girls and young women to influence decisions in their schools, communities and public life.

At the same time, girls and young women across the country are increasingly making their voices heard. Through She Leads, they got the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful networks and work alongside community leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions. As a result, they gained a stronger voice in their communities, schools and decision-making processes at local and national level.