Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Activist Teen Girls United



Girl Up Leadership Summit went virtual

teens, girls, activism, thriving, families

Activist teen girls have been thriving during the pandemic and accompanying quarantines, adapting their sense of mission and involvement to include health issues as well as helping their communities find ways to get beyond systemic racism. They’ve even been experimenting with no-phone detoxification programs.

In a recent story, NPR’s Nadia Whitehead spoke to 11 girl activists during the (virtual) 2020 Girl Up Leadership Summit sponsored by the United Nations for young females to advocate for the health, safety and education of girls and women around the world.

Many of the teens said that the pandemic has worsened the problems against which they are passionately fighting. But that has only made them more determined to speak up. And find ways of creating new forms of activism.


Among the young women spoken to was the co-founder of a Minneapolis non-profit that offers free tutoring and mentoring for low-income students; a 16 year-old with Indian background who has faced growing xenophobia from community members who believe all Asians are to blame for Coronavirus; volunteers for the Save the Children Action Network; and advocates for gun violence prevention and safety in vulnerable neighborhoods. They spoke from all over the world.

"I am a Muslim Arab girl living in the Middle East. There's lots of stereotypes and misconceptions about Arab women,” said one teen, who has also started her own non-profit. “Lots of people think we are all oppressed, and this undermines the achievements of Arab women. I want to show Arab girls that you can do something and be whoever you want.”

Other subjects raised included the rise in violence against women once lockdowns started, and a sense of need that teens and their parents urge elected officials to address issues critical to children's lives, including racism.

Yet there were also upbeat appraisals of new social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, an appreciation for spending more time at home with one’s parents, cooking, and binging television. Fave shows? How about The Politician and Hasan Minhaj's Patriot Act.

Let's celebrate our daughters

What is your daughter passionate about? Tell us what she has been doing related to this passion during her time at home. Click here.




Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

    Third Annual Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

    The Third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby will run from April 1 through Sept. 4, 2023. The event is open to young people between the ages of 4 and 18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. read more »
  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »