Maegha Ramanathan, now 18, founded the nonprofit Girls4Sports (G4S) in 2021, inspired by her own experiences and those of her teammates. Growing up in Dublin, California, she noticed that sexist comments from male counterparts often led to girls dropping out of sports. This observation, coupled with receiving similar comments herself, spurred her to action.
G4S has since become a prominent youth-led organization dedicated to combating gender inequality in athletics. The network comprises 1,500 volunteers and operates across 20 U.S. states and 23 countries. According to the organization, G4S has facilitated the integration of over 39,600 girls into 250 athletic programs globally and has donated more than 10,350 pieces of sports equipment to various children's organizations.
The organization's operational model emphasizes peer leadership. G4S conducts free athletic camps, equipment drives, conferences, and workshops. These events serve not only the participants but also provide the young women running them with valuable experience in leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. Ramanathan stated that this dual approach addresses both participation and the development of future leaders.
While G4S has a base in California, Ramanathan has prioritized its international expansion. She cited the limited participation of girls in sports in Devakottai, India, her parents' hometown, as a significant motivator. The nonprofit has partnered with other organizations to launch and support girls' sports teams in countries including India, South Africa, Pakistan, Kenya, and Lesotho. G4S also conducts virtual advocacy workshops aimed at educating girls to become agents of change within their own communities. Ramanathan views the organization's growth as a testament to the collective power of young people working together.