Lately, I have been reflecting on the ingenuity and commitment I witness in the women and girls I meet during my learning trips to the developing world. That's because today, October 11, 2012, marks the first-ever United Nations International Day of the Girl. And it's about time.
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Mariam Ahmed, 10, center, listens to a teacher, unseen, in a classroom on the first International Day of the Girl Child, in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The U.N. has declared October 11th as the International Day of the Girl Child. Girls face double discrimination due to their gender and age, and are the most marginalized and discriminated group across the globe. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
Mariam Ahmed, 10, center, listens to a teacher, unseen, in a classroom on the first International Day of the Girl Child, in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The U.N. has declared October 11th as the International Day of the Girl Child. Girls face double discrimination due to their gender and age, and are the most marginalized and discriminated group across the globe. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)

Lately, I have been reflecting on the ingenuity and commitment I witness in the women and girls I meet during my learning trips to the developing world.

That's because today, October 11, 2012, marks the first-ever United Nations International Day of the Girl. And it's about time.

When I travel to developing countries, I try to meet as many girls as possible. I am simultaneously inspired by their boundless potential and often frustrated by how much of that potential is locked up by inequity.

When I speak to people in developed countries, they often ask me, "How can I help?" Until today, there hasn't been one place where all of us who care deeply about the lives of women and girls can gather and give together. But now, on this inaugural Day of the Girl, there is.

Catapult is the first platform which allows anyone, anywhere to join with their friends and drive donations to great organizations working for girls and women. You can adopt a project, start a team, and witness the impact of your efforts. 100 percent of proceeds pass straight through to help women and girls.

It's been a gift for me to be able to visit the projects our foundation has helped to fund and meet the amazing girls and women working so hard for themselves and their families. Hearing from them about how their lives have changed for the better has been so rewarding. I'm excited that now everyone has the chance to experience this feeling.

Here are some of the stories from my travels that have touched me most. I hope you'll get involved and discover stories of your very own.

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