HOW IT STARTED …

In late 2001, in the wake of the 9/11 tragedies, three close friends (two policemen and a commercial airline pilot) happened to see television footage of a horrific real event: women being lined up in a soccer stadium and publicly executed for showing their hair in public! Shocked and deeply moved by what they’d witnessed, these three men made a pact to make a  positive difference.

With the support of family, friends, and their local community, they created FreeGirl Apparel, Inc., and The FreeGirl Foundation, making up The FreeGirl Family. Its mission was to create awareness and focus attention on gender-based violence issues directed against women and girls at home and around the globe.

THE DREAM BECOMES A REALITY …

After countless successes and setbacks, FreeGirl was finally on its way with the launch of an apparel line. Then in March of 2008, the unthinkable happened: FreeGirl was served with a cease and desist order from Urban Outfitters, claiming trademark infringement on their “Free People” brand. Despite many gallant appeals, FreeGirl Apparel, Inc. was forced to shut down operations after five years in business.

Faced with a true David vs. Goliath situation and a retail giant unwilling to compromise, the legal action looked to be the kiss of death for FreeGirl and the end of a dream. But the FreeGirl voice proved too strong to be silenced. Soon, a retooled apparel brand, indiegirl was born. Today, The FreeGirl Foundation, with a new team, renewed vigor, and endless passion is more determined than ever to raise awareness in every corner of the world where women and girls are oppressed.

THE ROAD AHEAD…

One out of every three women is affected by gender-based violence in her lifetime. The FreeGirl Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, is committed to change that around the globe through the cooperative efforts of its major media components:  indiegirl fashion, the FreeGirl magazine, and our community awareness and advocacy initiatives meant to raise debate and dialogue through innovative tools of media, performing arts, film, sports, music and interpersonal communication in the form of meetings, seminars, information dissemination sessions, etc. The road ahead may be long and winding, but with your help, we can make a difference.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT…

The heart of change rests with the indie generation. It holds the key. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Become the newest member of The FreeGirl Family and help us make the world a safer place for women and girls everywhere.