The Working Group on Girls (WGG) originated in the build-up to the tremendous efforts made in 1995 in the ratification of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a global agenda for the empowerment of all women and girls. Under the auspices of UNICEF, the Working Group on Girls emerged as an NGO committee within UNICEF and eventually connected with UN Women to grapple with the special needs of girls – who have their own struggles for equality, education, and the right to be protected from oppression in any form. Section L of the Beijing Platform for Action represents the efforts of WGG original members to improve the status of the Girl Child.
That work continues today within various WGG Committees (standing bodies) and Task Forces (occasional theme-based/time-based groupings for a specific purpose). Each is led by a Committee Chair (or Co-Chairs) who, together with WGG Member Organizations, work with and for girls at the United Nations. A strong network established between WGG and UN Permanent Missions, as well as UN Funds and Agencies, provides the organization with the scope and continuity on the most current UN issues, while an effective collaboration with civil society keeps the Working Group on Girls alive “on the ground” in countries around the globe.
Board Members
- Aasha Shaik
- Beth Blissman
- Kimy Chadreque
- Niki Devaris-Morgulis
- Rebecca Davis
Officers
- Co-Chairs: Abida Jamal and Lyndsey Reynolds
- Secretary: Janet Palafox
- Treasurer: Marides Santos
Member Organizations:
American Association of University Women
Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
Ex-Saker Students Association
Girls Learn International, Feminist Majority Foundation
Girls Scout of the USA
Global G.L.O.W.
Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate
International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW)
International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW)
International Presentation Association
Loretto Community
Mother Daughter Connect
Pan Pacific & Southeast Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA)
Passionists International
Society of the Sacred Heart
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
The Grail
The Salvation Army
UNANIMA International
Ursulines of the Roman Union
VIVAT International
Global Purpose Project / HS West Broward High School