In a world where women face significant obstacles to leadership, Girls4Girls (G4G) has emerged as a beacon of hope. During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate, faced criticism for “yelling,” while her male counterpart, Bernie Sanders, was praised for being assertive. Media scrutiny also targeted Clinton’s appearance, criticism rarely directed at Sanders. On the Republican side, Donald Trump’s remarks underscored pervasive gender biases.
The Birth of G4G
For Izzana, the founding of G4G was deeply personal. Immersed in the political atmosphere at Harvard, she and her peers were struck by the stark underrepresentation of women in leadership. “We realized, ‘If not us, then who? If not now, then when?'” Izzana recalls. Inspired by struggles and triumphs, they created a safe and empowering space for women to share experiences and mentor one another.
Tackling Key Challenges
Despite progress in many areas, the statistics on women in leadership are sobering:
- Only five countries have parliaments with at least 50%
- A mere 4% of Standard & Poor (S&P) 500 CEOs are women.
- The COVID-19 pandemic forced nearly 54 million women out of the
G4G hopes to reduce this gap by addressing the root causes that hold women back: Perceived lack of confidence, leadership tools or framework, and the support system for many women. “We wanted to help women see their potential, to give them the tools to say, ‘I belong here,'” Izzana says, her voice full of conviction.
The Pillars of G4G
At its core, G4G stands on three pillars that guide its mission:
- Inclusive Mentorship: Creating a nurturing environment where women can learn from each other.
- Insights & Inspiration: Webinars and workshops that help to upskill the audience in complementary leadership skillsets.
- Impactful Networks: Building connections that open doors to new
A Personal Approach to Mentorship
The mentorship program at G4G is not just about imparting skills but about fostering genuine, supportive relationships. The six-module program, developed with the Harvard Kennedy School faculty, covers leadership fundamentals but also allows space for personal growth. “Mentorship for us isn’t just transactional,” Izzana explains. “It’s about building lasting relationships where women feel seen and supported.”
Participants find more than just mentors—they find allies. The safe spaces provided by G4G allow women to grow without fear of judgment. “One of our mentees once told me, ‘For the first time, I felt like I could speak without being afraid of getting it wrong,'” Izzana shares, illustrating the profound impact of these spaces.
A Vision for Global Impact
G4G is not just about individual success stories; it’s about creating a ripple effect that reaches far and wide. The organization is setting its sights on reaching 1 million mentees by 2030. “It’s an ambitious goal, yes, but every big change starts with a dream,” Izzana says with a smile. “We know that with the right partnerships and a shared vision, we can make it happen.”
Leadership with Heart
The leadership of G4G, under Izzana and regional directors across the globe, exemplifies shared and inclusive governance. This decentralized model ensures that the programs resonate with local needs while maintaining a cohesive global vision. “We’ve always
believed in the power of shared leadership,” Izzana reflects. “It’s not about one person leading the charge; it’s about all of us pushing toward the goal together.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As G4G continues to grow, its leaders remain committed to expanding without losing the personal touch that makes their work so impactful. By nurturing a community where women uplift each other, G4G is helping to shape a future where women’s leadership is the norm, not the exception.
Girls 4 Girls is more than just a mentorship program, it’s a movement, a family, and a haven for women who aspire to lead. “We are here to build a world where women can step into leadership with confidence and without fear,” Izzana concludes. “And we’re just getting started. Each woman who joins us carries the torch forward, lighting the way for others.”
