“I had the chance to meet my idol, Malala Yousafzai, and speak at an event she hosted. It was amazing to realize that my voice truly matters in this world,” Aarohi said. “The experience reaffirmed my belief that youth, especially girls, can shape a more equitable future.” (See photo at left)
Girls Speak Out: International Day of the Girl
In October, Aarohi and fellow Jamesville Girl Scouts Rayna Reed and Mia Enders participated in the UN’s 11th Annual Girls Speak Out event, marking International Day of the Girl.
Organized by the Working Group on Girls and UN partners, the event advocates for girls' rights, leadership and government accountability on policies affecting young women.
Aarohi was selected as a speaker after moderating the previous year. She addressed youth activists and UN representatives on topics like gender-based violence and advocacy. She also drew from her Girl Scout Gold Award project to highlight the importance of mental health support for girls.
“After the town hall, I led a workshop where I helped other girls create personal advocacy plans. It was inspiring to see their passion for change. Preparation for this took five weeks, which was challenging while balancing school and gymnastics, but I was determined to make an impact,” Aarohi recalls.
