In a city as progressive as New York, it’s easy to assume equality is a given—but for Black girls and gender-expansive youth, systemic barriers persist. Enter Girls for Gender Equity (GGE), a Brooklyn-born nonprofit fighting for racial and gender justice through advocacy, youth leadership, and policy change. Founded 23 years ago by Joanne N. Smith, GGE fills critical gaps in support, ensuring young people aren’t just seen but heard. With attacks on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights escalating nationwide, GGE’s work isn’t just important—it’s urgent. Here’s how they’re reshaping NYC’s future.
Programs That Empower Girls
GGE meets youth where they are. Their Sisters in Strength program creates safe spaces for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, while the Young Women’s Advisory Council teaches political organizing and advocacy. “We help them navigate bureaucracies and fight for the issues that matter to them,” says Smith. These initiatives don’t just offer support—they build leaders. In a city where opportunity isn’t equally distributed, GGE ensures marginalized voices aren’t left behind.
Policy Change from the Ground Up
GGE doesn’t stop at community programs—they’re also reshaping laws. Their advocacy focuses on school equity, restorative justice, and reproductive rights, pushing for gender-neutral language in handbooks and fair dress codes. “New York must be a model for gender justice,” says Kimberly Blair, GGE’s Senior Director of Policy. As federal protections erode, local action matters more than ever.
Centering Black Feminist Voices
Culture shifts start with storytelling. GGE amplifies youth voices in media, from newsrooms to Broadway, ensuring their experiences are documented and celebrated. “We’re writing ourselves into history,” Smith says. In a city that thrives on diversity, GGE reminds us: Progress isn’t passive.
From its grassroots beginnings in Bed-Stuy to its citywide impact, GGE embodies NYC’s spirit: unyielding, inclusive, and defiant. In a place where movements are born, GGE proves that real change starts with listening to those most affected. Whether through protests, policy, or art, they’re ensuring the next generation inherits a fairer city—because New York’s strength has always been its people.
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