A global storytelling challenge marking 10 years of partnership invites young people aged 14–25 to share what they are dreaming, questioning and changing
Monday, October 28, 2026 — Girl Rising and the HP Foundation today launched Unmuted, a global storytelling challenge inviting young people aged 14–25 to share the stories and ideas they want the world to hear.
Submissions are open from October 26, 2026 to January 15, 2027 at https://unmuted.girlrising.org. A youth council and a panel of judges, including actors Freida Pinto, David Oyelowo, and Malala Fund CEO Nabila Aguele, will review entries in February and March 2027. Selected stories will be amplified on social media from March through October 2027.
The challenge gives young people a variety of prompts – ranging from “A rule I would rewrite” and “Someone the world should know” to “A moment I surprised myself” and “My vision for the future of work”. Young people can respond in any language and any
creative format, including writing, film, photography, drawing, animation and spoken word.
“Every day we see what happens when young people tell their own story. They see life differently, they see themselves differently, and so do the people around them. Unmuted is an invitation to young people everywhere to share their lived experiences, their dreams, and their ideas with the world.” – Nidhi Shukla, Co-CEO, Girl Rising
Selected stories will be considered for a short documentary film being developed with Yoruba Saxon, the production company founded by award-winning actor, director and producer David Oyelowo, known for acclaimed films including Selma, Queen of Katwe, A United Kingdom and The Butler. The film will bring together young people from different cultures and communities to create a collective portrait of how they see themselves and their future.
“There is a freshness, honesty and power in every story told by a young person. I believe storytelling is transformational because it puts the power to question, imagine and create change in young people’s hands. I’m excited to work with these young storytellers from across the world, help bring their stories to the big screen, and partner with Girl Rising to ensure young people take Centre stage…not just in the stories we tell, but in shaping the world they live in.” – David Oyelowo, actor, director, and producer, Yoruba Saxon
Selected participants will also form the inaugural cohort of Girl Rising’s Story Lab, a three-month virtual programme launching in 2027. Participants will build their storytelling skills alongside mentors from across the media and technology industries.
“I’ve always believed young people need more than a seat at the table; they need the freedom and agency to question, imagine and shape the future they want to live in.
That’s the power of storytelling: it gives them the space to speak their truth and say what needs to change. I’m excited to be part of Unmuted and can’t wait to see the world through young people’s eyes and hear the stories only they can tell.” – Frieda Pinto, Actor, Producer and Girl Rising Ambassador
Storytelling has been at the heart of Girl Rising since its founding film in 2013. Unmuted builds on the organization’s 2020 My Story challenge, also in partnership with the HP Foundation, which drew more than 800 submissions from over 50 countries, and expands it to new formats and a wider audience.
Unmuted marks a decade of partnership between Girl Rising and the HP Foundation, who together have helped more than 28 million young people across India build the confidence and digital skills to navigate a fast-changing world. Unmuted takes that work further, giving young people a platform to define the future they want, in their own words.
“For ten years, HP and Girl Rising have shared a belief that young people need both the skills to shape the future and the space to be heard. Unmuted is that belief in action. We can’t wait to see what this generation creates, and what the world will get to hear.” –
Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation
“Young people have the fresh perspectives, bold ideas and creative energy the world needs to shape its future. Unmuted creates the space for them to think, reflect and tell their stories, in whatever form feels right to them. These stories have the power to spark change, not just in young people’s own lives, but in their communities and across their countries. I can’t wait to hear their voices, discover their ideas and see the world through their eyes.” – Nabila Aguele, CEO, Malala Fund
To submit your story, visit: https://unmuted.girlrising.org/ About Girl Rising
Girl Rising works to change the arc of what’s possible in girls’ lives. Stories are where we
start. They shape how the world sees girls, and how girls see themselves. Through education and mentorship programmes, we work alongside girls and boys and the teachers, parents and school leaders who surround them, helping young people build the skills, confidence and support to pursue their ambitions. Girl Rising currently works across 5 states in India and our films, campaigns and programmes have reached millions of people worldwide. Learn more at girlrising.org.
About HP Foundation
The HP Foundation is the nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization of HP Inc. Its mission is to accelerate the future of work for disconnected communities by expanding access to technology, skills and economic opportunities. It does so through charitable giving, employee volunteering and HP LIFE, its free business and digital skills training programme for students, educators and lifelong learners worldwide.
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