Hello, I am a writer for the Borgen Project, an NGO that aims to end international poverty and educate the public on what they can do to help.

I am writing to you today to shed light on a bill I have become personally invested in, the Girls Lead Act, or S.2766, that will provide educational and leadership opportunities to millions of girls around the world. Historically, young girls have received a lower quality education in science, technology, and politics. Research has shown that women tend to be more sensible and clear-minded leaders, therefore there should be no lack of women in leadership roles. However, only 16% of political figures are women in the United States, and in Europe, 22% of political figures and parliament seats are women. This represents an issue that I believe deserves greater attention, especially during times of political and social unrest, where female leaders could provide insight and change that is otherwise overlooked. This bill aims to close the gap between women and education and craft new futures for girls around the world. I lobbied the office of Maggie Hassan, my senate representative, for this bill, and received positive feedback. I hope to continue to press this bill, so that young girls can have a chance to instill change and create open spaces of conversation into deeper issues that affect women and women in poverty.

The disparity of women in politics has created a landscape in which our most personal issues and our day-to-day life is monitored and controlled by a group of old, white men, and I hate to say that I am not editorializing. Unfortunately, lack of representation leads to a lack of transparency, and women not trusting their governments to make decisions that benefit them. As a young woman hoping to excel in journalism and politics, I refuse to not use my privilege and momentum to help young women who don’t even have a chance to see the inside of a classroom.

Thank you for your time, please consider publishing this issue.

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