LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ, LIVEGIRL, OFFICIALS, ADVOCATES & STUDENTS CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL WITH RALLY AT THE CAPITOL

(HARTFORD, CT) - Today, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz joined forces with LiveGirl, members of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, the Connecticut Collective for Women and Girls, and student leaders at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford to celebrate International Day of the Girl. The rally was made even more urgent as headwinds continue to threaten the rights and opportunities of women and girls nationwide.

Now in its 13th year, International Day of the Girl draws critical attention to the challenges girls face and calls for urgent action to advance girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The 2025 rally featured and amplified vital youth voices, as well as spotlighted inspiring spoken word poetry, an original song by Maria Ogundolani, and a dance performance by Grace Academy.

“As Co-Chair of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, it has been my mission to expand and enrich the lives of women and girls in the state of Connecticut,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “On the 13th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl, I am proud to partner with LiveGirl to give a platform to girls’ voices and remind them that they can do anything they set their minds to achieve.”

“Over the past decade, we have served more than 20,000 girls and young women, and every day I see how vital it is to uplift girls’ voices — especially when their rights and opportunities face new challenges,” said LiveGirl Founder and CEO Sheri West. “On this International Day of the Girl, our rally is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action. LiveGirl is committed to building confident, career-ready leaders and ensuring that every girl and young woman in Connecticut has the skills, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive. The need for bold, purpose-driven leadership for girls is greater than ever, and I am proud of the resilience, hope, and courage I see in the next generation.”

“Investing in Connecticut’s girls is key to ensuring a positive future for our state”, said Executive Director of She Leads Justice, Janee Woods Weber. “On the Day of the Girl, and every day, She Leads Justice affirms our commitment to advocating for healthy and safe lives full of opportunity for the girls in our community and beyond. Supporting our girls by uplifting their voices, learning from their lived experiences, and creating space for their leadership to flourish are foundational to creating a state where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender or background.”

“Championing girls is not just a matter of justice—it is the foundation of a more peaceful, sustainable, and flourishing world”, said Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo. “Each time we challenge bias, stand up for equal pay, demand safe schools, or mentor a young woman in politics or STEM, we are betting on the promise of tomorrow. We are rejecting the status quo and insisting upon a society where every girl, regardless of zip code or background, feels entitled to reach for any dream, any office, any innovation.”