Most content for women and girls online – especially around empowerment – is usually what I call “S.F.S.N.” (Sounds Fabulous, Signifies Nothing). Which means that it’s usually all Rah-Rah and not a lot of real. I’m all for the sizzle but I’d like a heavy side order of substance, please.
That’s why I am taking the time to applaud the amazing platforms that pack substance in the content they deliver for women and girls. Right now, we are in an age where it’s critical for our girls to see themselves as the world-changing thought-leaders they are!
Here are my 10 favorite platforms:
Teen Vogue – Teen Vogue is playing at the highest level when it comes to telling stories that matter to today’s teenage girl (and well, everyone, really). Not only do they make relevant news and social topics easily digestible and engaging for teens, they also do a phenomenal job at giving girls the opportunity to write their own stories.
Bustle – I’ve been a contributor to Bustle in the past and I’d surely do it again. They serve as a prime source for healthy lifestyle tips and advice. If you love my #SelfCare17 campaign, you will love reading content on Bustle!
Equality for Her – Equality for Her is dedicated to uplifting the voices and identities of people across the femme spectrum. Inclusive to all femme-identifying people, their mission is to generate awareness about issues affecting the global femme community.
Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls – One of my forever faves, APSG will always be held near and dear to my heart. They have always been and will continue to be dedicated to cultivating the authentic, smart girl (which is every girl).
Sesi Magazine – Sesi is on a mission to fill the void in mainstream media, where there is a gap for African-American girls. Sesi is released each quarter of the year with the simple yet vital mission of celebrating African-American teen girls.
GirlGaze – The founders of GirlGaze and I share a vision of putting more content in the world that is created through the eyes of girls. This platform is a shining a spotlight on the visual masterpieces and photographs captured by girls while building a virtual community of the world’s top female creatives.
Lenny Letter – Lenny features real, intimate stories from real women; a concept that is so simple, yet extremely effective in making a connection with the reader. They also post beautiful graphic illustrations of the women featured in their stories to accompany each article.
Awesomely Luvvie – If you prefer to read your news in a tone of “brutally honest and painfully humorous,” Luvvie is your reporter. Luvvie has a gift for taking any piece of news and making it 100 times more enjoyable to consume. She holds no punches and delivers pop culture content in a voice that you cannot deny.
MuslimGirl – This is the biggest and only digital platform specifically dedicated to amplifying the voices of Muslim girls. Even if you’re not Muslim, I guarantee you will read and watch stories that you can connect with and learn from on this platform
UpWorthy – UpWorthy is another one of my go-to websites for news happening in culture. The writers for this platform have an amazing way of making each story feel connected to the reader and I always feel inspired to take action once I complete an article.
Huffington Post (Voices) – HuffPo Voices is what I consider one of the hubs of intersectional media. I can always count on catching up to speed on the relevant day-to-day news through this website. It’s also a great place to read a variety of diverse voices and perspectives on countless topics.