Girls are resilient

Photo by Kondwani Jere

These girls’ stories are resilience in action

Child marriage, teenage pregnancy and school dropout cost the world at least $15 trillion in lost lifetime earnings, but for each individual girl, the cost is immeasurable.

Globally, 650 million girls have been married as children, limiting their education and economic independence. In low- and middle-income countries, nearly half of pregnancies among young women aged 15–19 are unintended, with 55% resulting in unsafe abortions. Around the world, 250 million children are out of school, mostly girls. It doesn’t have to be this way.

The girls featured in these stories are children struggling to raise children of their own. But they keep moving forward, despite the difficult path ahead. They still want to “become someone in life,” to rise above their current limitations, and to fulfill their dreams now deferred by motherhood. Each one of them is a portrait of resilience—and an inspiration for why we do the work we do.

Learn more about the photography.

A young woman wearing a taupe hijab looks upward with a thoughtful expression, standing against a textured green wall with a shadow cast to the right.

Indonesia

Nur Aini

A young girl in a school uniform sits on a low brick wall, holding a small child on her lap and reading from a book, outside a rustic building on a sunny day.

Malawi

Chinsinsi

A young woman sits outside on a chair, smiling at the camera while holding a baby in her arms. A red motorcycle is parked nearby, and a green brick building is in the background. The scene appears calm and relaxed.

Bolivia

Yotse

A woman sits on a concrete step outside, braiding a young girl’s hair. Both have braided styles, and the child wears a patterned jacket. Two metal barrels and a rough wall are visible in the background.

Nigeria

Susan

We have a job to do. Will you join us?

Young people and their local communities already know what’s needed to fight the injustices of child marriage, teenage pregnancy and school dropout. With our holistic approach and vast network of local partners and experts, Ipas is uniquely positioned to help make lasting, systemic change.

With your support, we’ll build a world where every girl can control her own body and future.

Ensuring girls’ futures

A holistic approach to tackling child marriage, teenage pregnancy and school dropout

A pair of worn black shoes, yellow Nike sandals, and a stack of exercise books with handwritten notes are neatly placed on a rough, dark surface.