At #GirlsAgenda2026, the panel discussion on “Girls as Leaders, Not Just Beneficiaries” challenged organisations and policymakers to move beyond inviting girls to speak at conferences and create meaningful opportunities for them to influence decisions that affect their lives. From sharing lived experiences to shaping programme design, resource allocation and implementation, girls must be involved from the very beginning. As @GeorginaAsizu from IIEA emphasised, listening to girls is not enough, their recommendations must translate into action, with resources reaching young people and grassroots organisations who understand the realities of their communities. The discussion also highlighted the need to share decision-making power, build supportive systems, recognise girls as leaders and innovators, and hold organisations accountable for their commitments. Girls are experts in their own lived realities so their participation must go beyond the panel to the planning table, the budget and the decisions that shape their futures. #MenstrualJusticeForAll