girls' bill of rights

Since its founding as a national organization in 1945, Girls Incorporated^® has expressed its values through a Girls' Bill of Rights. The document has changed over time but has always expressed girls' rights to develop skills for their own success and the community's benefit.

Girls Incorporated understands the complexity of girls' lives and is dedicated to advancing the basic human rights of girls—the right to be respected, self-reliant, healthy, safe, and challenged. Our goal is to ensure that our Girls' Bill of Rights becomes a reality for all girls.

Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes.
Girls Inc. sends a clear message that every girl is to be honored and valued for who she is.

Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.
Girls Inc. motivates girls to speak up for themselves among friends, in school, at home and in the community.

Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.
Girls Inc. believes girls should be allowed to discover their own strengths, talents, and dreams. Girls are encouraged to risk failure and to learn from their mistakes.

Girls have the right to appreciate and accept their bodies.
Girls are encouraged to accept their bodies and be proud of their individual shapes, sizes, colors, abilities and strengths.

Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.
Girls Inc. strengthens girls with knowledge and skills to help them live safer lives and with the ability to defend themselves, if necessary.

Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.
Girls Inc. recognizes that every girl should possess the skills, knowledge and confidence she needs to achieve financial independence and take charge of her life.