Ashley Judd Instagram – I love being a woman, and I cherish the little girl who is still alive inside of me. On #InternationalDayofTheGirl, I get on my knees to give thanks for every girl I have ever met, who has ever allowed me to hold her hand, squeeze her close, stroke and braid her hair, climb a tree, and turn a kart-wheel. I cherish every secret that has been shared, fear divulged, wish made, and dream spoken aloud. Worldwide, girls still suffer for being girls. They do 160 million more hours of household chores than their brothers. They are given less food. They are held back from starting or attending school consistently, or drop out when they begin to menstruate. Many are sexually abused and forced into child marriage. They cannot choose if, when, and how many children to have. To girls around the world, I hope I have, and will continue, to live up to the sacred responsibility of being your friend. At a time when there is so much darkness, I look at the light in your faces when we are connected faces and am reminded of the hope for our future. @unfpa