There is one universal experience that each one of us on the planet shares -- each one of us was borne of a woman. While it's so obvious that it's almost not worth saying, after having my own son after 17 hours of labor, this fact came to my mind in a very profound light.

With a deliberate, rights-based approach however, sport can help give girls all over the world -- from New England to New Delhi -- a chance to run, jump, throw and swim their ways into safer and more empowered futures.

When women are successful it can be universally felt. No country or border changes the way a woman feels about caring for her children. When women band together under these objectives with the ability to earn a living, serious changes can take place.

It isn't easy growing up as a girl. How many of us has seen once strong, confident and brave girls hit 13 and turn into cowering puddles of insecurity...

Together, let's build a world where a child's destiny is determined by drive and ability, not by gender. It's the idea that girls are sharing with the world today. And it's an idea we should all get behind.

This is an interview with Ann M. Veneman, former head of UNICEF, on women, leadership, and the importance of education.

"We have forgotten to acknowledge when we hold power. We act as if money doesn't matter. That's really dishonest."

When I was 18 I founded Finding the Fabulous, a non-profit that connects 8-12 year old girls with high school and college role models, who are actively engaging in their lives to break down stereotypes and build up confidence.