The Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality’s
Initiative on Gender Justice & Opportunity
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Our mission is to center marginalized girls in research, policy, and practice; to name and address the root causes of race and gender disparities; and to develop solutions that are guided by youths’ narratives and voices.
Our focus on race and gender fills a gap in the national conversation about equity, in which girls of color are rarely visible.
Check out these new and noteworthy updates on our work:
Areas of Focus
As a part of Georgetown Law, we work to improve public systems’ engagement with women and girls of color – from schools to the healthcare system to juvenile justice. We prioritize collaboration and partnership, working across Georgetown’s campuses and with multidisciplinary scholars, practitioners, and organizations in the field to address the following areas of focus.
Adultification Bias
Our research uncovered a form of bias Black women and girls are all too familiar with: adults view Black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than their white peers, even in the 5-9 years old age bracket. We’re working to build community and share resources to overcome this form of bias.
Learn MoreGirls in School
Girls of color experience disproportionate rates of school discipline and pushout. We work to help identify harmful practices and present ways to transform schools into locations where girls can heal, learn, and thrive.
Learn MoreTrauma & Mental Health for Girls
We focus on girls’ unique experiences of trauma and identify means of improving mental healthcare and outcomes for girls and communities of color.
Learn MoreGirls in Juvenile Justice
Girls are often criminalized in response to the trauma they experience. As a result, they’re inappropriately involved in the juvenile justice system despite the need for support and the lack of risk to public safety they present. We offer analysis and policy recommendations to dismantle the abuse to prison pipeline.
Learn MoreRestorative Justice Practices
We put a special focus on restorative justice practices as a means of strengthening school connection and improving health equity for all youth.
Learn MoreStorytelling, Art, & Mindfulness
We center the voices of girls in identifying challenges, needs, strengths, and solutions though art and shared narratives.
Learn MoreThe Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality is independently funded.
We rely on donations and grants to conduct our work.