For years it’s been on the minds of many. What’s happening to our little girls? So many of them grow up not knowing how to be themselves, because they’ve been pushed to become carbon copies of the latest fashionable femme. Girls around the world reach adulthood illiterate, poor and hungry. Others still are raised with what appears to be all the necessities and amenities of life, yet behind closed doors, these "privileged" ones face emotional neglect beyond comparison. This early lack of love sets the stage for a tragic reenactment of the abuse they endured as girls, to take place when they are women.

Eight years into the 21st century, and you’d think, you’d hope, that our most pressing worry would be when the latest version of the iPod comes out. Instead, we are faced with magnanimous crises around the globe; from poverty and war, to disease and sinking islands. We have such a large number of problems to solve, and less than enough time to do it all ourselves. Therefore, we plan on leaving behind the most extensive to-do list ever known to man (or woman). Our children have almost no choice but to pick up the pieces and carry on with figuring out globe-sized sums when we’re gone.

However, there’s one slight, little hurdle here. How can we expect future generations to literally save the world, without possessing a basic, solid foundation to stand on? There are little girls living right now whose main priority is how much pink they can wear in a day, and yet at the same time, there are other little girls whose only concern is whether or not they’ll have a meal tomorrow.

These mini-ladies are the mothers of the next generation. They will be actively working to cross off as many items on that list as possible, and their kids will likely end up doing the same. If these young girls are not brought up properly and aren’t given the opportunities they both need and desire, how can we ever expect them to raise their own children successfully?

We as global citizens need to do all we can to ensure our girls grow up to lead lives of purpose. A strong sense of self-worth must become an intrinsic trait, not an other-worldy aspiration. By instilling in young females the truth of their equality to boys, we will demolish the possibility of feelings of suppression in what is often considered the "man’s world". Little women need to be encouraged and allowed to dream. They must know they are important, loved and valued. We must make an effort to give them the opportunities they never thought they’d have.

There is no question as to why we should attempt to make the lives of those in need a little (or a lot) better. People who selflessly care would never think of making such a query. Everyone can assist in one way or another. We all can vow to raise our little girls to be courageous, loving women who have respect not only for themselves, but for the people and things around them. Those who can afford to can make donations (both monetary and otherwise) to children’s charities, literary programs, hospitals, schools and orphanages. Other people may be able to host motivational conferences to inspire teens and young women, giving them the support they require.

Teachers can change the lives of their students by being positive and realistic role models. Doctors who have the funds can visit countries in need, administering basic medical care and vaccines. Some may write articles and books spreading awareness, others may speak about these issues on television/radio talk shows. Anything and everything we are able to do to help will be appreciated, and it will make a difference. We definitely have our work cut out for us, but I think it is a job more than worth accepting.

The fact that our girls are in need is inescapable as women continue to replenish populations with the fruits of their wombs. However, it is reversible. We can make a difference, and many people already are. It’s not a question of who is going to begin to take a stand. It’s a question of how many will join those who are already on their feet.