Today, Nov. 11, is International Day of the Girl Child. Let’s remember that our girls lives are in grave danger in our country. When we think of gangs, we picture rough-looking, foul-mouthed, violent boys. Yet, the U.S. has experienced a 15% rise in girls in gangs over the past ten years. Why? They say the gang gives them a group to belong to, people who listen to them and care about them. They don’t feel that their families and non-gang friends do any of that.I find that frightening and heartbreaking. Maybe some parents need to focus more on family and less on work–at least allow more time to spend with their daughters (hard in this economy but doable, necessary, and rewarding). Maybe schools need to engage girls more, providing instruction that draws them into areas where they can experience success and see a bright future. Maybe our churches should involve girls in more activities that show them they’re valued. Maybe there should be more opportunities for them to learn from a mentor or be part of volunteer activities or jobs that make them feel worthwhile. Maybe some of them simply need more smiles and hugs.
I don’t know the answer. But we MUST save our girls!