Girl Rising is a documentary film that follows the story of nine young girls from different parts of the world and illustrates the obstacles they face towards getting an education. Each of these girls shares their story of hardship, resistance, and ultimately, hope, as they try to break free of the cycle of poverty and discrimination that often traps them.
The film was directed by Richard E. Robbins and produced by Tom Yellin, Holly Gordon, and Paul G. Allen's Vulcan Productions. It features the voices of renowned actresses like Cate Blanchett, Priyanka Chopra, Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, and Meryl Streep, who narrate the stories of the girls.
The movie spans across different countries like Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Ethiopia, Peru and Cambodia and examines the challenges faced by young girls in each of these locations. From arranged marriages and child labor to sexual slavery, the film shows how the girl's lives are impacted due to inequality and how education can be a powerful tool to empower them.
Girl Rising was released in 2013 and since its release, it has inspired a global campaign that advocates for girls' education. The filmmakers partnered with organizations like CARE, Plan International, and the UN Foundation to promote the cause of girls' education, with the film itself serving as a call to action on this important issue.