#InternationalDayofTheGirl

As Duchess of Sussex, Megan Markle, has eloquently stated “Every girl has potential. She has promise, she has the right to learn, the right to be heard, the right to play and to discover, the right to be exactly who she is.”

In honor of International #DayofTheGirl, Protecht would like to highlight Why It’s Important to Celebrate the Power of the Girl and share what some of the #DayoftheGirl voices of the next gen had to say on their bright futures.

Harvie Jude (2) wants to be a “fashionista and designer like her mama”. Definitely will be following her for the latest trends!

1. They’re powerful not just when educated, but also as leaders.

Globally, girls are disadvantaged — for being both young and female. As of date, approximately 62 million girls around the world are not in school. Research shows educated girls will stand up for their rights, marry and have children later and are more likely to educate their own children than those who aren’t. By educating the bright young females of our future, they are more likely to participate in political discussions, meetings, and decision-making, which in turn will promote a more representative, effective government and world.

Paisley (4) said she wants to be a veterinarian so she can make sure the animals get the ‘right medicines’. What a heart of gold!

Even when girls are successfully going to school, they may be learning — from textbooks or their communities — that their place in their family and society is not in a leadership role.

By working together to increase their participation in sports and leadership skills that are critical to success in jobs it will promote dignified family life and political change. Education is empowering; however by focusing on teaching leadership skills to girls will lead to their empowerment.

Adaline (3) wants to be a dentist when she grows up. Look at her beautiful smile!

2. They’re the key to breaking the poverty cycle.

It shouldn’t be a secret that empowered girls are the key to globally ‘breaking the cycle’ of poverty for families. According to research from the Brookings Institution , they found that for every additional year of schooling will lead to an average of 12% of higher earnings for girls’ in their future careers that she will invest back into her family. Empowered, educated girls also are more likely to have healthier, better educated children and higher wages — helping to break the cycle of poverty.

3. It’s the economical thing to do.

Did you know girl power has been a HUGE growing factor in the success of the U.S. economy (since the 1970s!). It’s that additional productive power that accounts for about a quarter of today’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP. It’s important for companies to advance women into leadership positions where they can make great contributions and have appreciation for their efforts. We also need to show support for girls to explore their dreams and aspirations whether in sports, medical, entertainment, education, engineering and beyond. It has been discussed that girls will look to their families and people they know for support when it comes to deciding upon a career and will continuously impact and change the economy by fulfilling more and more different types of career and leadership roles.

At the end of the day, we are excited for the increased opportunities that girls have today than before and are even more excited to see the powerful impact these bright young minds will have on our future.