Christians are being encouraged to start a conversation about girls, faith and culture in a new manifesto launched today.

Alliance member Girls' Brigade Ministries (GBM) wants the UK Girl Manifesto to prompt questions and start discussions about investing in girls in the UK.

The manifesto came out of a gathering in October of youth workers, activists and leaders passionate about seeing a generation of girls rising in gospel hope.

Dr Claire Rush, participation and advocacy co-ordinator at Girls' Brigade Ministries, said: "GB Ministries is passionate about equipping individuals, organisations and churches to turn up the volume of hope amongst this generation of girls.

"The UK Girl conversation aims to start a discussion about girls, faith and culture. We believe that it is time for a more hope-filled narrative for young women than what is being offered by the culture that surrounds us."

The manifesto includes a commitment to equipping girls and women to become Christian leaders, creating an 'identity capital' in girls by spreading a message of value and worth, and communicating the voice of girls to the Church.

GBM are asking people to get involved in the conversation online, face-to-face, and on social media.

A website is also being launched where participants can get involved in the conversation and share thoughts, experiences and ideas.

GBM are also inviting participants to their next UK Girl Gathering on 11 October, the UN's International Day of the Girl. The event will aim to equip and inspire youth workers passionate about investing in girls.

The hashtag #hopeforgirls will be used on International Women's Day for people to share their 'hopes for girls' via social media.

To find out more about the UK Girl Manifesto, and to get involved in the conversation you can visit the website.