When Purpose Is Born from Pain: Why Investing in Girls Transforms Nations
By Ana Cristina Eriksson
“In many parts of the world, girls still face limits due to where they were born, traditions, or traumas. Supporting one girl strengthens an entire community.”
The Reality in Romania
In Romania, thousands of girls still see their dreams interrupted too early. Poverty, lack of access to education, and the absence of essential medical services — especially in rural areas — create barriers that silence potential and perpetuate cycles of exclusion.
Too often, childhood is cut short. Girls who should be discovering their talents are instead pushed into adult responsibilities without support. Many leave school before finishing, and entire generations remain caught in a cycle of poverty and lost opportunities.
Shockingly, nearly 45% of all births to girls under 15 in the European Union occur in Romania, and around 10% of all births in the country are to teenage mothers (UNICEF). The birth rate among girls aged 10–14 is 8.5 times higher than the EU average, and for girls aged 15–19, it is 3.4 times higher than the EU average.
Romania vs. Brazil: A Global Contrast
In Brazil, adolescent motherhood is also a pressing issue, but at lower proportions: the birth rate among girls aged 10–14 is approximately 1.6%, and in 2023, 12% of all births were to teenage mothers (BMJ).
This stark comparison highlights the urgency: despite economic progress, Romanian girls face alarming social challenges. It emphasizes the need for targeted initiatives that protect, educate, and empower them.
Although Romania is often considered among the poorest countries in Europe, its average income is almost twice that of Brazil. And yet, Romanian girls still face deep systemic challenges. This proves one thing: economic potential alone is not enough. Real change comes from intentional action.
Why Invest in Girls?
Supporting girls is not just an act of solidarity — it is a powerful strategy for social transformation.
A girl with access to education and emotional support:
- Gains protection from violence and health risks
- Achieves financial independence and better job opportunities
- Breaks intergenerational cycles of poverty and exclusion
When one girl thrives, she lifts her family, her community, and future generations with her.
An Inspiring Story: Ana Cristina
“I was 14 years old and lived in the suburbs of São Paulo. When I became pregnant, I had to leave school and thought my dreams were over.
Even young and already a mother, I faced a chaotic marriage and judgment from everyone around me. Nothing was easy, but with great effort, I managed to return to my studies. Every achievement required courage and determination.
My greatest dream was to become a teacher. I continued studying and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Literature — Portuguese and English — fulfilling my dream. Today, I want to inspire other girls to believe their paths can be different. They can be scientists, doctors, lawyers — whatever they want. The only limit is the courage to believe in themselves.”
When Purpose Is Born from Pain
I know what it means to have childhood interrupted. I became pregnant at 14, and, like so many girls in Romania today, I felt all paths were closed.
It took years of rebuilding, finding my voice, and proving to myself that there is life and purpose beyond the pain.
From my spiritual womb was born The Girls Sally & Emelie — a project to give life, hope, and protection to girls facing challenges too early. We are still in the project phase, but the intention is clear: start in Romania.
Because I believe that when one girl thrives, an entire community thrives with her.
