How Geetha Murali Is Rewriting the Future for Girls

Who is a woman who has inspired or mentored you, and what lessons from her influence have stayed with you?

I was heartbroken when the world lost Susan Wojcicki, former CEO of YouTube, last year. She was my friend, my mentor, my board member. Rarely can we say someone changed the lives of millions. But that’s exactly what she did. She was of course an exceptional visionary in technology and business, but she was just the same when it came to girls’ education and world change. She exemplified leading boldly and creatively, while staying grounded in compassion and generosity. She encouraged me to lead Room to Read, supporting the world’s children, in my own, authentic way. She truly wanted better for all of us.

What does progress for women look like in your field, and what steps do you believe are necessary to keep that momentum going?

Progress for women in my field means creating a world where all girls can develop skills and knowledge – with dignity – such that they are enabled to make informed decisions for themselves, their families, and communities. At Room to Read, we ensure girls see role models in their surroundings, in books, and through other media. In our community-based programs, local mentors help develop girls’ life skills – such as resilience, leadership, and decision-making – supporting girls to stay in school and thrive. Our multi-media initiatives, like She Creates Change, also feature relatable, real-life role models in a range of accessible formats.