International Day of the Girl Speak out Event Featuring the Participation of Dominican Girls 

 On Friday, October 11, 2024, girls from around the world came together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Speak Out, an event dedicated to amplifying young voices and fostering global solidarity. The day began with a powerful town hall session featuring two young Girl Scouts, Ryana and Aarohi, who shared stories of their advocacy work. Aarohi introduced her project on mental health education in India, inspired by her personal ties to the country and the need for greater mental health awareness in her community. Ryana discussed a mentorship program she developed for middle and high school girls, aimed at guiding younger girls through their educational and personal journeys. Both girls demonstrated remarkable poise and passion, inspiring the audience with their dedication to making a difference.

Among the attendees were representatives from Canada, Peru, and Turkey, as well as the President of ECOSOC and speakers from UNICEF and UN Women, all of whom responded thoughtfully to the girls’ questions. Following the town hall, a group of slap dancers captivated the audience with an electrifying performance, allowing everyone to feel the music resonate within them, adding an element of energy and unity to the event.

In the afternoon, the event transformed into interactive “Learning Labs,” where 15 young activists led workshops designed to educate participants on the fundamentals of activism. These sessions offered the girls hands-on experience and insights into initiating their own advocacy projects. I had the honor of working closely with a group of girls from New Jersey who were advocating for consent education in local middle schools. Each group in the Learning Labs explored various methods of activism, empowering participants to become changemakers in their communities.

For many attendees, the event was a profound experience. I got the chance to invite many girls from various Dominican institutions. One participant, Courtney Park from Regina Academy, reflected that her most inspiring takeaway was the emphasis on girls’ education and human rights. “To empower girls globally, we need pathways for all girls to access education,” Courtney expressed, “this knowledge will give girls the confidence to pursue their dreams.” Her commitment to the event was spurred by her experience at the Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference, where she connected with girls from other Dominican schools and was encouraged by mentors, such as her Director of Leadership and her principal, Dr. Porreca, to attend the Speak Out. 

Courtney highlighted how the event was deeply aligned with the Dominican Mission, particularly the Charism of Preaching, which emphasizes prayer, study, community, and service. She explained, “The conference was our opportunity for service. As students of the Order of Preachers, it was a chance to put our preaching into action by using our unique talents to empower girls and advocate for a more equitable world.” Reflecting on the broader impact of the event, she shared, “At Regina Dominican High School, I’m fortunate to have access to a quality education. It’s my call to action as a preacher to help all girls reach their full potential. We are fighting for girls’ equal rights to education and human rights, which will give us all a more equitable and prosperous future.”

 Another participant expressed that the stories shared by her peers were her most inspiring takeaway. “Listening to other girls my age talk about the positive changes they’re making in their communities was incredibly moving,” she shared. Motivated by the opportunity to learn from fellow young leaders, she felt the event exemplified Dominican values by fostering community and providing a platform for voices to be heard. “This event can empower all girls by helping them feel supported and inspired to follow their dreams. In many parts of the world, young girls don’t feel that support, but knowing there’s a community rooting for them makes all the difference.”

 Beyond these experiences, the girls had the opportunity to speak with representatives from the UN mission, where they deepened their knowledge of activism on a global level. They will carry the lessons they learned forward, enriching both their spiritual and educational lives. By connecting with influential leaders and gaining insights into international advocacy, they are now better equipped to make meaningful contributions to their communities and advance justice and equality in all aspects of their lives. 

In addition to these two inspiring girls, we were joined by participants from Lacordaire Academy. Overall, the event was a transformative experience that championed justice, peace, and education—all core aspects of the Dominican mission. Both the girls and I gained immensely from this experience. They developed leadership skills and learned to apply them to activism and faith, and I had the opportunity to do the same. I feel deeply honored to have played an integral role in planning this event and to have connected with Dominican girls from across the country.