My name is Fatuma Omar Ismail and I started this petition for the millions of girls living in crises around the world. Together we can help put an end to the cycle of extreme poverty, violence and exploitation by speaking up for every girl, everywhere to ensure they have access to a quality education and an opportunity to reach their own potential.

At a young age, my family and I fled from Somalia to escape civil war, and I spent much of my childhood and adolescent life in the world’s largest refugee camp in Kenya. Life in the camp almost broke me, but being able to go to school gave me hope for a better future. Although I struggled to find time for my studies, I was fortunate enough to earn a scholarship to one of Kenya’s top secondary schools. Today, I study Health Science at the University of Toronto, while also supporting my family who still live in the camp.

I was one of the lucky ones, I got a chance at a better life.  Education has saved my life.

But what about the 75 million young people living through conflicts and disasters who are out of school? When these crises erupt, education is one of the first services suspended, and last to be resumed. Girls in crises are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys, making them more vulnerable to violence, discrimination and exploitation.

The Prime Minister of Canada has recently announced that investing in girls’ education in crisis situations is a vital part of achieving gender equality, and will be one of his key priorities at the G7 this summer. This is our chance to champion the education of girls in crises and gender equality on the global stage.

It's time to tell G7 leaders what we think!

A G7 Declaration to Educate and Empower Girls in Crises backed with concrete financial investments could change the course for millions of girls currently out of school because of crises. Empowering women starts early by educating and empowering girls.

Sign the petition and demand that the education of girls in crises be a priority at this year’s G7 so all girls have the chance to shape their own futures.