Every three seconds, a girl is forced to become a bride. An estimated 129 million girls are out of school. And the number of countries on track to achieve gender equality by 2030? Zero.
We have a lot of work to do to for girls’ rights. It’s not easy work, but we can’t sit by while millions of girls have to quietly sacrifice their potential and freedom. Together, we can amplify girls’ voices, help them clear their paths ahead and break the cycle of poverty.
If you’re new to the fight for gender equality, this is a great place to start. Click through the stories below that will open your eyes to the power of girls and inspire you to take action alongside them.
1. Embracing tradition, rejecting mutilation: A story in photos
Most girls and women in Guinea are living with the health consequences of female genital mutilation. But one village is leading change to protect girls. After three years of working with Plan, the community celebrated its first coming-of-age ceremony for girls that doesn’t involve FGM.
2. Meet 4 “girl dads” advocating for gender equality
The #GirlDad movement — it started in tribute to Kobe Bryant, honoring his words about being a father to four daughters. And fathers everywhere have proudly claimed that same love for their girls. They recognize that the potential of their daughters is the same as that of their sons. And because of that, they’re making serious strides toward gender equality.
A war in her backyard robbed Yeluma of everything she loved — but she refused to let it destroy her spirit. This is the story of how a brave young woman from Cameroon carved out a new path for herself, one bead at a time.
4. In her own words: “I stopped my own marriage”
Rozina is a 19-year-old activist who works with Plan International to promote gender equality in Bangladesh. Through her part-time job as a tutor, she’s inspiring other girls to stay in school and take on leadership opportunities. Here’s her story, in her own words.
5. The Sudanese activist serving up gender equality at her cafe
If you ever find yourself in Kosti, Sudan, stop by the Queen Cafe. Owned by a young woman named Safa, 26, this bright, sunny space is more than just a place to quietly read or sip some tea; it’s a symbol of hope. Safa has built the reputation of her cafe as a feminist platform, attracting like-minded young people working to end sexism in Sudan.
6. From bully to ally: The boy fighting period stigma
When boys learn about gender equality, they can transform the way that girls and women are treated. That’s exactly what happened to 13-year-old Cephas from Ghana. He used to bully girls at school when they had their periods. Now? He’s leading the fight against period stigma and debunking dangerous myths. And it all started with a simple conversation.
7. The meaning of education for displaced girls like Zalissa
When attacks started happening in Zalissa’s community, life changed for girls like her. And one day, without knowing it, she left her classroom for the last time. But with support from those around her, Zalissa is rewriting the narrative that girls don’t belong in school.
8. In her own words: Surviving trafficking in Nigeria
Esther was only 16 when she was trafficked. Now, as a survivor, she’s trying to protect other girls from what she experienced. This is her powerful story, in her own words.
At Plan International USA, we partner with adolescent girls, children and young women to overcome oppression and gender inequality. Our aim is to create a more equal world by transforming the lives of millions of girls around the world so that they are safe, educated and economically empowered. Investing in a girl’s future will not only improve her life, but also the economic condition of her family and her community. By giving to Plan, you’re giving to girls.
