Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown met adolescent girls and young children while in São Paulo, Brazil, this week to hear about their lives, the challenges they face, and how they are pursuing their dreams.

During the visit, the Emmy-nominated actress—who earlier this month delivered a speech at the United Nations Headquarters during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to champion girls’ rights—visited a school in the Cidade Tiradentes district of São Paulo and met with a group of teenage girls.

“I’m very grateful to UNICEF for the opportunity to meet the young people in this community, as well as the teachers,” said Brown. “I was especially moved to have spent time with several adolescent girls at the school, to listen and learn about their personal stories and experiences. We talked about the importance of supporting each other through our respective challenges, and I wanted them to feel empowered to make decisions about their future. They are incredibly inspiring, and I know they will continue to be the change in their community.”

The girls shared with Millie some of the obstacles they face, including the different treatment between boys and girls in school, the importance of education, particularly around menstrual dignity, and the need for girls to advocate for themselves. They highlighted the need for more support and encouragement for girls.

In Brazil, adolescent girls face many restrictions on their rights. Period poverty—a lack of access to supplies including pads, water, soap, and bathrooms, as well as information about periods—affects 15 million girls across the country, limiting school participation. Adolescent girls also experience higher unemployment and underrepresentation in apprenticeships.