Day 7 of the 11 Days of Action: Opening Doors, by Tahira Hussain

Today is Day 7 of the 11 Days of Action leading up to International Day of the Girl on October 11. This youth-led movement to advocate for girls' rights and speak out against gender bias was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 when it adopted Resolution 66/170. This year's theme is "Innovating for Girls' Education."

In honor of this movement, and in celebration of girls everywhere, we share this story.

“Tahira is one of the first girls from her community in Pakistan to be allowed to receive a higher education. She believes she was the first girl from her area allowed to study abroad (she spent ten months in 2011-2012 in the U.S. on a State Department program). Her persistence and belief in herself in spite of the challenges and lack of encouragement, as well as her successful year abroad, has already begun to change the mindset of people in her community. Now several other girls are being allowed to attend college, following in Tahira’s footsteps!

When she made this story, she was very clear about one thing: this story wasn’t just about her, but about all the girls in her community who want an equal opportunity for education.”

— Allison Myers, StoryCenter's Southwest Region Director