Big news: Last week, the Girls Count Act of 2014 was introduced in the U.S. Senate – and we have to act now! Here’s what you need to know:

What’s the issue? According to UNICEF, one out of three children in the world is not registered at birth.

What’s the problem? Not having a birth certificate often prevents a girl from going to school, seeing a doctor, and getting a job when she’s older.

What’s a solution? The Girls Count Act of 2014 supports programs in developing countries to improve birth registration. It also promotes policies that prevent discrimination against girls.

How can you help? Learn more about the issue, and join Girl Up in helping make sure girls around the world are counted! You can make a difference today.

What’s your impact? The 10-year-old girl you see in this photo? That’s Josephine Therese from Côte d’Ivoire. She’s wearing a beautiful smile because she has an official birth certificate, which gives her the opportunity to pursue her dreams. When you help ensure girls are counted, you’re helping more girls like Josephine smile – and succeed.

Use your voice on behalf of all the girls in the world whose voices aren’t heard. Act now: Join Girl Up’s efforts to make sure girls everywhere count.