At The Girls’ Network, our mission is to inspire and empower girls to achieve their ambitions and reach their unlimited futures. To do this, we know it is essential to create an environment where every girl, mentor, staff member, partner, and supporter feels safe, respected, and valued for who they are.

We believe in a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, thrive, and realise their potential. Sadly, recent narratives of division and hostility, particularly towards immigrants and those seeking safety, threaten this vision. We want to be clear: The Girls’ Network stands firmly against anti-immigrant and far-right rhetoric. Many of the girls we work with are from the global majority, are immigrants themselves, or are the children of immigrants. Some have come to the UK seeking asylum. Their experiences, perspectives, and dreams are not just valid - they enrich and strengthen our communities.

Our values are rooted in inclusivity, compassion, and equality. That means we welcome and celebrate everyone in our network, regardless of:

• Sex

• Gender identity or expression

• Race or ethnicity

• Religion or belief

• Sexual orientation

• Disability

• Age

• Socio-economic background

• Or any other protected characteristic
  
  

We are proud to be a safe space where difference is not just accepted but embraced, where each girl’s story is listened to, and where every individual is encouraged to believe in themselves and their future.

We know that barriers - whether cultural, organisational, or across whole systems - still exist. That’s why our work is grounded in equity: ensuring that every girl has access to the opportunities, networks, and encouragement she needs to flourish.

As part of this commitment, we regularly share resources and information with our ambassadors and mentors to provide support, help them deepen their understanding, stand in solidarity with the girls we support, and access tools to better challenge inequality in their own communities.

When we stand together as an inclusive community, we build a better future not only for girls but for society as a whole. We invite all those who share our vision to join us in this work - as mentors, partners, fundraisers, or supporters – so that together we can champion a generation of girls to realise their full potential.

At The Girls’ Network, everyone is welcome. Everyone has something to contribute. Everyone deserves to thrive. 

Seeing women who looked like me – who shared my lived experience and carried themselves with confidence and pride – was transformational. It didn’t just inspire me; it gave me permission to dream bigger. I began to see my background not as a barrier, but as a strength.

Salma, former mentee.

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Further support

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this post or would like to explore additional support, you may find the following organisations helpful:

• YoungMinds – identity focussed mental health support for young people.

• Young Minds - support for those concerned with world events.

• Stand Up To Racism – campaigning and resources to challenge racism and build solidarity.

• Tell Mama - a secure and reliable service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse.

• The Mix - a free, confidential support service specifically for people under 25. 

• Childline - If you’re under 19, you can also reach out to Childline for free and confidential support. 

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Sign the Stand Up To Racism open letter

Our co-founder and CEO, Becca Dean MBE, and our Managing Director, Em Lowe, have proudly signed the Stand Up To Racism open letter alongside thousands of others to challenge the far right’s attempt to spread fear and division in the name of ‘protecting’ women and girls. Add your name here.