Every girl deserves to feel like she can change the world. But far too often, the messages she receives from her community make her question her voice, her worth, and what she’s capable of achieving.
Music has the power to remind her of her strength and inspire her to dream bigger.
Whether it’s an anthem that sparks confidence, a song that offers comfort during a difficult moment, or lyrics that compel her to stand up for what she believes in, the right song can become a source of strength and encouragement that can have a lasting impact on her sense of self.
In honor of International Day of the Girl, we asked girls around the world to share the songs that motivate, uplift, and inspire them. The result is the Global Catalyst Girl Power Playlist: an uplifting collection of songs made by girls, for girls.
From Bollywood hits to Afrobreats dance tracks and Pakistani pop-rock, this playlist creates a powerful soundtrack to girlhood — filled with messages of hope, joy, and possibility.
Below, girls from six different countries share their favorite songs and the messages they’ve learned from them. You can dance along to the full playlist here.
“Top of the lady” by Tep Bobrek
— Submitted by girls in Vietnam
“I chose this song because it makes me proud to be a girl and inspires me to be brave and use my voice.”
“Paon Ki Jutti” by Jyoti Nooran
— Submitted by girls in Pakistan
“I chose this song because it reminds me that girls are not inferior and can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
“Who Says” by Selena Gomez & The Scene
— Submitted by girls in Nepal
“We chose this song because its message is very meaningful to us. As girls, sometimes we hear negative comments about how we look, what we can do, or what we should be. This song reminds us that we should not let other people’s opinions decide our worth.
For us, the song means believing in ourselves, accepting who we are, and having the confidence to follow our dreams. As GLOW Club members, we learned that every girl has her own strengths and abilities. We chose this song to remind ourselves and other girls that we are valuable, capable, and should be proud of who we are.”
“Huancaína Indomable” by Las Chicas Indomables Orquesta ft. Huancaína Indomable
— Submitted by girls in Peru
A huayno (traditional genre of Andean music) that celebrates women’s strength and independence. The lyrics highlight a woman who works, is empowered, and doesn’t accept being mistreated. It connects girl empowerment with Peruvian musical traditions and culture.
“Owang Winyo” by Kenge Kenge
— Submitted by girls in Kenya
“This song is sung during celebrations of achievement in society. It encourages self- acceptance. Mostly, it is sung with women and girls to show their pride, as when they have attained their goals.”
“Uzitabe” by Butera Knowless
— Submitted by girls in Rwanda
“This song carries a message of encouragement, hope, and participation. It calls on people not to stay behind or lose hope, but to show up, take part, and embrace opportunities in life.
The deeper message is about being confident, united, and active in building a better future for the country. It motivates listeners to believe in themselves, support one another, and not fear challenges or change.”
“Ma Dami Chhu” by Samriddhi Rai
— Submitted by girls in Nepal
“This song gives a strong message of self-love and girl power vibes, with lyrics about confidence and independence.”
“Scars To your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara
— Submitted by girls in Vietnam
“This song reminds me to accept myself for who I am and remember that I am enough.”
Want more Girl Power content? Check out 16 Movies From Around The World that Celebrate The Power of Girls.
Global Catalyst mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Our signature program, GLOW Club, connects girls in some of the world’s most underserved areas with trusted local mentors and a safe space to express themselves as they develop their agency, find their voice, and build their power. Since our founding, we’ve ignited the power of more than 100,000 girls, sparking a growing movement of youth-led change that is transforming communities — and the world — for the better.
