Girls First Finance

The
"Girls First Promise"

Provide an alternative to exploitation and empower young women to take control of their education and their futures.

Our Story

In a world where 50% of African girls face sexual exploitation for education, Girls First Finance (GFF) emerged as a beacon of hope and change. Founded by Andrea Pizziconi, a visionary impact investor with a track record of over $100 million invested in African education ventures, GFF was born from a burning desire to challenge and change the status quo.

The stark reality that millions of young women worldwide are forced into transactional sexual relationships with older "sponsor" men to pay for their education was the catalyst for our inception. This pervasive issue leads to alarming dropout rates, unintended pregnancies, HIV infections, and long-term trauma for these young women.

In 2023, we launched our revolutionary mobile app, offering a lifeline to vulnerable students through safe, affordable loans and a comprehensive support system. Our mission was clear: to provide an alternative to exploitation and empower young women to take control of their education and their futures.

Our Mission

Girls First Finance supports young women directly through student loans and personal empowerment features, including mentorship, counselling, safeguarding support, budgeting tools, and positive social networking support.

GFF works with others to scale up these solutions. We work with lenders, banks, impact investors, donors, and governments to increase access to affordable loans and empowerment. We work with advocates, governments, NGOs, and employers to make the practice of sugar daddies and sex-for-grades socially unacceptable.

Millions of girls in all countries are sexually exploited by sugar daddies, teachers, and employers in exchange for tuition fees, passing courses, and jobs. We believe no girl or young woman should be sexually exploited for education, training, jobs, or work experience.

We will innovate solutions to ensure all girls and young women can access safe, affordable funding for their tuition, living expenses, or enterprise ideas. And that the practice of sugar daddies, sponsors, and sex-for-grades becomes socially unacceptable.

GFF's Exponential Impact

87%

Of users have started new businesses since joining GFF

58%

Of users have increased their income since becoming part of GFF

67%

Of users report increased confidence in managing loans

Survey Summary

We believe in data-driven change. Our ongoing global survey has gathered insights from over 5,000 respondents, providing crucial data on young women’s challenges in accessing education. This survey is more than just numbers – it's a platform for unheard voices. By participating, you contribute to a growing body of evidence that helps us refine our approach and advocate for systemic change.

Ready to make your voice count? Take our anonymous survey now and be part of the solution. Help build a future where education is accessible to all, free from exploitation.

Take the survey

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