
Devex: As aid dries up, Plan International accelerates support for women
Global funding for women’s organizations is in crisis. Ninety percent have faced cuts, and nearly half expect to shut down by 2026. Plan International CEO
We partner with children, families and communities to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, today and for the long term.
We work around the world to tackle the root causes of inequality that hold children back, especially girls. Our programs are shaped by evidence, guided by communities and led by girls themselves. Together, this work creates lasting change that reaches far beyond a single project or place.
Girls are leaders, partners and decision-makers in our work. Through GirlEngage, our girl-centered approach, we listen to girls, support their leadership and work alongside them to remove the barriers standing in their way.
From education and protection to health and economic opportunity, our focus areas address the challenges that shape girls’ lived experiences. Together, they create the conditions girls need to learn, lead, decide and thrive.
We mobilize around key global moments to elevate voices, shift systems and push for progress on issues that affect girls and women worldwide.
Young people have the power to shape the decisions that affect their lives. Through our youth advocacy programs in the United States and globally, we support young leaders to speak out, influence policy, and drive change on issues that matter to them and their communities

Global funding for women’s organizations is in crisis. Ninety percent have faced cuts, and nearly half expect to shut down by 2026. Plan International CEO

Yuri, 54, and Nadia, 49, with their foster children. | © Plan International / Mirja Vogel In a small, rural village 50km outside the central

A drone attack hit a school in Shukeiri village on Wednesday, killing 17 people — mostly schoolgirls. Other civilian infrastructure, including a health centre, has

Girls share a meal of rice, lentils and dried vegetables at school in Kilifi County, Kenya. For many, it is the only meal they will

Aprille survived a super typhoon at 13. Today she is a teacher and climate advocate helping her community prepare for the next storm. Her story shows why girls’ education is the foundation of women’s leadership — and why International Women’s Day begins with girls.

Plan International is deeply alarmed by the escalating military conflict in Iran and the Middle East, which puts children at grave risk. Of particular concern
Four years into the war in Ukraine, children continue to face trauma, disrupted education, and displacement across Ukraine and Eastern Europe. As the crisis shifts from emergency response to long-term recovery, sustained investment in mental health, protection, and education is critical to prevent irreversible harm.

Children across Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia face daily risks just to get to school. Part 2 of School Matters explores how safety, distance and economic pressure shape who can keep learning.

Children across Bolivia and Peru are traveling farther and facing greater risks just to stay in school. This photo essay explores what access to education looks like when safety, distance and resources are not guaranteed.

Plan International responds to growing uncertainty around US foreign aid funding as Congress debates whether statements and actions will protect global development priorities.
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