The true challenge starts with empowerment. While at its heart lies the next generation, we have to stop referring to young women and adolescent girls as the ‘leaders of tomorrow.’ They are the changemakers of today. 

On March 8, every year we stand together to celebrate International Women’s Day. On that day, we have use it as a call for action; to dismantle barriers, challenge the deep-rooted biases, show the patriarchy its way out, and create a world where every woman and girl has the power, opportunities, capacity, and rights to shape her own future.  

The true challenge starts with empowerment. While at its heart lies the next generation, we have to stop referring to young women and adolescent girls as the ‘leaders of tomorrow.’ They are the changemakers of today. Because tomorrow, it will be too late for them. When girls’ potential is locked away by outdated cultural norms and systematic inequalities, how can we make every girl aware of her potential and rights to make her own decisions?  

Looking at how the voices of women have been and still are silenced, we must invest in the young generations of today, help amplify their voices, and create spaces where they can fearlessly lead. No woman or girl should be held back by traditions, laws, or the limitations that others impose on them.  

Who are the leaders of today?   

Young leaders today are proving that change is possible when women and girls are given the tools, opportunities, and support they need. For example, Malala Yousafzai, became a global symbol for girls’ education and continues to inspire millions with her commitment to advocating for a girl’s right to learn, despite the dangers she faces, and Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist, started a movement through her resistance with nearly zero support. They became the voice of young women and show that young women can lead powerful global movements. 

I met so many other young girls, who—without any support—exemplify the courage, resilience, and leadership that many girls are showing their community. They lead with their bravery and courage to make changes in their families and communities. Their stories highlight the urgency of empowering young women and girls. They are not waiting for tomorrow to make a difference as they are already making their mark today. Let me introduce you to some of these amazing young women activists.  

Amel Hadjadj is an intersectional feminist activist and human rights defender from Algeria. After studying medicine, she dedicated herself to advocating for women’s and minority rights. In 2015, she founded the Algerian Feminist Journal (JFA), which became a national foundation in 2021. Through JFA, she launched key programs such as “Rana Hna” (a feminist content creation initiative) and the Feminist Caravan, which organizes training and awareness tours across Algeria. She collaborates with various national and Mediterranean media to amplify the voices of women and minorities. 

Nissrine Ait Haji is a young Moroccan changemaker passionate about youth empowerment and female entrepreneurship. A graduate of the University of Warwick (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, and Economics) and the X-HEC Entrepreneurs program, she has launched initiatives supporting young people in their career journeys. She created a growing community of over 2,000 students and graduates, connecting Moroccans with job opportunities both locally and abroad. Nissrine is committed to fostering economic inclusion and building spaces where young talents and female leaders can thrive. 

Building the future 

Advocacy cannot be confined to one day or year. It is in every daily choice we make.

Woman activists and leaders must play a key role in building today the future generations, sharing stories amplifying their voices, and experiences, and encouraging them to act. Because when one woman rises, we all do. 

International Women’s Day should be more than a moment of recognition, it must be a catalyst for sustained action. Advocacy cannot be confined to one day or year. It is in every daily choice we make, like speaking up against injustice, supporting women led initiative, mentoring young girls, and challenging sexist norms at home, in the workplace, school, and communities. True progress comes when solidarity turns into action, and each one of us commits to being a force for change. 

The views represented in this piece are those of the author and do not express the official position of the Wilson Center.