Ladies and gentlemen, teachers, students, and dear friends,

Today, I want to talk about something that is not only important for girls, but for all of us. It's the idea that girls should be brave, not perfect.

From a young age, we are often told what we should be—polite, kind, obedient, and above all, perfect. We are taught to avoid mistakes, to stay quiet when we feel uncertain, and to always look good, act right, and fit in. But what happens when we try to be perfect? We lose ourselves. We become afraid to speak up, to take risks, to fail, or even to dream.

Being brave doesn't mean being fearless. It means facing your fears, standing up for what you believe in, and taking action even when you're scared. It means making mistakes and learning from them. It means being honest with yourself and others, even when it's hard.

In a world that often judges women more harshly than men, especially when they make mistakes, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to be flawless. But here's the truth: no one is perfect, and no one should have to be. Perfection is an illusion. It's a standard that can never be met, and it often leads to anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt.

So why do we hold girls to such high standards? Why do we expect them to be everything at once—successful, beautiful, kind, and calm? Because society tells us so. But it's time to change that narrative.

We need to teach girls that it's okay to be messy, to be loud, to be different, and to be imperfect. We need to encourage them to take up space, to speak their minds, and to lead with courage. Because when girls are brave, they don’t just change their own lives—they change the world.

Let’s stop asking girls to be perfect and start asking them to be themselves. Let’s celebrate their strengths, support their dreams, and give them the freedom to grow without fear of judgment.

In conclusion, I believe that girls should be brave, not perfect. Because the world needs more courage, not more perfection. And the world needs you—with all your flaws, your passions, and your unique voice.

Thank you.