Global Girls Lead WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival
Updated: 2 hours ago
Girl leaders from WIT Leadership Development Academy, Childhood by Choice and Shivalaya Indian Classical Dancers Featured
Photos by Nystasha Kelly of Complexion Photography
Girl leaders from throughout Montgomery spoke passionately about issues impacting girls around the world at the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival at Alabama Shakespeare Festival on October 11, 2026. Women in Training, Inc. Ambassadors Kacie Caldwell and Carrington Scott volunteered as emcees for the day.
"Women in Training, Inc. was established in 2019 when our founders, Brooke and Breanna Bennett, learned about period disparity and the many young women who miss school or work due to inaccessibility to proper period supplies," WIT Ambassador Carrington Scott said.
"Our signature project, WITKITS, ensures girls around Alabama have what they deserve for holistic menstrual health. But, this organization has grown into so much more! The WIT Leadership Development Academy is exposing young girls to the people, resources, and opportunities to break the cycle of generational poverty. Open to a broad spectrum of middle and high school students, the WIT Leadership Development Academy aids in the understanding of global issues, career options, and a commitment to service."
WIT Ambassador Kacie Caldwell said: "International Day of the Girl is a global initiative started by the United Nations in 2011. While the focus is on girls’ issues, this day is for everyone who supports, advocates for, and acknowledges the experiences of girls as it pertains to human dignity.This is exactly why Women in Training, Inc. exists - to center girls
who will eventually become women and key contributors to the advancement of society.
Early that morning, gender equity advocate, Kalisha Dessources Figures, PhD, welcomed the crowd to the 7th Annual WIT 5K and International Day of the Girl Child Festival. Her husband, United States Congressman Shomari Figures, joined Dr. Figures in greeting girls and their families.
"We are here today to speak with you about the power that young people -- girls and young women -- have," Dr. Figures opened. "In the last election, 40 million young people were eligible to vote. Only 19 million young people voted. Young people have the ability to use their voices, to change outcomes .... Talk about voting.... Young women are the back bones of your families, your homes, your community. Use your power!"
YellowHammer Fund served as the Presenting Sponsor for the 7th Annual WIT 5K on International Day of the Girl Child. Not only did YellowHammer Fund provide funding, their staff members were present all day, beginning at 7:00 a.m. YellowHammer Fund staff members actively participated in all activities and distributed Honey Pot period products and safer sex supplies to families.
Women from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Montgomery (AL) Alumnae Chapter once again partnered with WIT for the International Day of the Girl Child observance. The sorority generously donated 90 packages of Always menstrual supplies to Women in Training, Inc. The valuable menstrual supplies will go in WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies to underserved girls and families. The donation is valued at $1,300.
WIT volunteers distributed #WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies from the WITMobile. The American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program donated the vehicle for Women in Training, Inc. to transport supplies during disasters and to community events.
Performers and speakers for the day included Shivalaya School of Indian Classical Dance. Mrs. Sudha Raghuram is the choreographer and also a fabulous dancer.
First up was a Bharatanatyam dance about Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God who removes all our troubles and blesses us. Trisha Patel and Aahana Patel performed Bharatanatyam.
Next up was the Kummi dance from South India. The dance was performed by Srilakshmi Krishnakumar, Kiranmayee Verandas and AparnaSuryadevara.
The final dance was performed by the maestro herself: Mrs. Sudha Raghuram, Director, Shivalaya School of Indian Classical Dance.
Anya Aggarwal, Pratha Patel, and Mahi Patel are the founders of Childhood by Choice. They are all accomplished students at Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, commonly known as LAMP, who are using their voices to effect change. Childhood by Choice is a non-profit organization dedicated to confronting child marriage and combating the pervasive horrors of human trafficking and child exploitation. The leaders had a display table and shared information about their mission.
The Childhood by Choice leaders eloquently spoke on the topic, "A Child, A Choice."
"Every child matters. You had a choice, the child deserves one too,” they said.
WIT Monarchs from fifth through 12th grade in the Women in Training, Inc. Leadership Development Academy presented research about the status of girls in various countries around the world. Thank you to Dr. Beverly Davison-Hill, WIT Second Vice President for Youth Development, for the tremendous role she played in preparing the Monarchs, as well as the Ambassadors, for their presentations.
"Honored, Proud, and Empowering are the words resonating with me as I consider not only the support provided on October 11th, 2026, but the preparations leading up to it," said Dr. Dr. Davison-Hill. "To challenge our 10-year to 18-year-old brilliant Monarchs to learn about and present information on their global peers was awe-inspiring. Besides the wonderful organizations who supported us on the grounds, the 'Affirmation' was affirming to the Monarchs and adults alike."
Destiny Padgett, a senior at Life Prepatory Academy, spoke about the status of girls in Singapore.
Na'Ziah Harris, a freshman at Johnson, Abernathy and Graetz High School, also known as JAG, spoke about the condition of girls in Korea.
Veronica Provo, a sixth grader at Brewbaker Middle School, spoke about the condition of girls in Bangladesh.
Ana Lira, a fifth grader at Brewbaker Intermediate School, spoke about the condition of girls in Togo.
Insert African dancers, Affirmation Circle and assorted photos.
Thank you to Ms. Geneva Watford, for generously volunteering to manage the festival.
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