In Photos: Let Girls Learn Anniversary

First Lady Michelle Obama

Yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated the one-year anniversary of Let Girls Learn, the Obama Administration’s initiative to help adolescent girls worldwide attend and complete school. As part of the event, the First Lady welcomed young girls from Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation's adolescent girl campaign, to tour The Girls' Lounge Let Girls Learn bus on the South Lawn of the White House. 

“The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in that door and take your seat at that table -- all of that starts with education. And trust me, girls around the world, they understand this. They feel it in their bones, and they will do whatever it takes to get that education.”

First Lady Michelle Obama on the one-year anniversary of Let Girls Learn

The Let Girls Learn bus then went across town for an event at Union Market in Washington, D.C. There, the First Lady was joined by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power for an event with young women, students, and stakeholders. In her remarks, the First Lady commemorated the one-year anniversary of Let Girls Learn and announced new private sector commitments in support of the initiative.

“Every single one of us has a role to play on this issue … No contribution is too small, as you can see, because in the end, that’s how we’re going to solve this problem – one girl, one school, one village at a time, with folks like all of you – particularly our young people -- leading the way.”

First Lady Michelle Obama on the one-year anniversary of Let Girls Learn

After her remarks, the First Lady viewed murals that were painted live during the event by Mr. Brainwash — a Los Angeles based filmmaker and street artist. One mural, with countless colorful hearts, represented the 62 million girls around the world are not in school – a number that the Obama Administration is working to change. 

Before heading back to the White House, the First Lady left a personal touch on one of the murals: 

The final FLOTUS touch. #LetGirlsLearn pic.twitter.com/vz5IdpymZO

— First Lady- Archived (@FLOTUS44) March 9, 2016

Dr. Jill Biden

Across the world in Dubai, Dr. Biden commemorated International Women’s Day with a visit to the School of Research Science, a private K-12 Arabic-English bilingual school. There, she met with various administrators, teachers, and students on the importance of equal education for all children. In her remarks, Dr. Biden noted how proud she is, especially as an educator, to see more women throughout the world furthering their education and taking on unrepresented roles. 

“We must do more to ensure that all girls and boys are able to pursue their passions and be treated with respect, regardless of gender; to make sure women have a seat at the table, recognize their value and welcome their contributions. If we do that, then tomorrow we will see an even brighter future for our communities, our countries and the world.”

 Dr. Jill Biden on International Women's Day

Danielle Cohen is an intern in the Office of Digital Strategy

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Learn more about the Let Girls Learn initiative

See what else the First Lady and Dr. Biden are doing to celebrate Women's History Month