Women and girls at the Frontlines of Humanitarian Crises

International Day of the Girl, October 11th 

In humanitarian crises, women and girls are among the most vulnerable– and also among the most powerful agents of change in their communities. Whether in conflict zones, refugee camps, or areas devastated by natural disasters, girls in particular face heightened risks of trafficking, child marriage, and gender-based violence. Emergencies disrupt their access to education, healthcare, and essential services, exacerbating inequalities that already exist. At the same time, women and girls are also leading bold new responses to these challenges.  

The International Day of the Girl, observed annually on October 11th, is dedicated to recognizing the rights and empowerment of girls worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 2011, this day shines a spotlight on the unique challenges they face, particularly in marginalized and crisis-affected communities. It is a call to action to dismantle the systemic barriers preventing girls from realizing their full potential and offering a new vision for the future. 

The day serves as a powerful reminder that gender inequality remains pervasive. It encourages us to work toward a future where every girl can live a life of dignity, safety, and opportunity—no matter where she is born or the challenges she faces. 

Our commitment to Light Up Colombia: Empowering girls in rural communities 

For International Day of the Girl, Heartland Alliance International (HAI) reaffirms its dedication to empowering girls in rural communities in Colombia through the Light Up Colombia initiative. This project will provide solar lanterns to girls and woman in humanitarian emergency zones, ensuring they have safe, sustainable lighting for activities such as work, cooking, studying, and community engagement. These lights will help improve local safety, reduce gender-based violence, and support community risk prevention plans.  

Light Up Colombia is about more than just light—it is about transforming lives. By addressing critical needs, this initiative will foster safer environments offering a path toward greater resilience for girls and women in rural Colombia. This project builds upon our ongoing resilience work in Colombia, supported by USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, and was recently announced as part of our new Commitment to Action at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024. 

How are we supporting Girls’ Vision for the Future? A few examples: 

• The Healing Journeys program at the Marjorie Kovler Center: This program partners with forcibly displaced youth, including girls, to identify their goals for health and healing and accompany them on their therapeutic journey to realize these goals through trauma-informed, evidence-based services   

• Justice for All: HAI mentors a coalition of women’s rights organization in Iraq. With HAI’s support, these grassroots leaders are championing the rights of women and girls and creating brighter futures for girls in Iraq. In Colombia: HAI strengthens care strategies for girls, their families, and caregivers by offering training in positive parenting, risk prevention, and violence reduction in conflict-affected areas. The My Safe Place initiative creates child-friendly spaces to deliver mental health, psychosocial support, and violence prevention services to children in need. 

• Together, we can create a future where every girl can thrive, even in the most challenging environments. Let’s commit to action and ensure that no girl is left behind.