Hillary Clinton, Sarina Wiegman and Mel B join forces to protect girls’ rights

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Celebrities and public figures including former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, International football coach Sarina Wiegman and Spice Girl Mel B have designed powerful posters to raise awareness over the global rollback of women’s and girls’ rights. 

The campaign, led by charity Plan International UK to mark International Day of the Girl, highlights how hard-won progress towards gender equality is stalling, and in some cases reversing, both in the UK and around the world. 

Also lending their voices to the campaign are Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt, singer-songwriter Paris Paloma – known for her viral feminist anthem “Labour” - and Skunk Anansie’s lead singer, Skin. Each has created a striking piece of artwork reflecting their personal connection to the cause.  

The designs include Clinton’s bold reworking of her iconic “Women’s rights are human rights” speech — now “Girls’ rights are human rights too” — to Mel B’s “Power to Girls, Power to All” poster, complete with a nod to her signature leopard print style.  

International football coach Sarina Wiegman outlined her support for equality, drawing on her experience of seeing young women thrive through sport. “As a coach, I’ve seen the power that comes when girls and young women are given the chance to reach their full potential. But right now, too many girls across the world are being held back and denied equal opportunities,” she said. “My poster carries the message ‘Girls rise, we all rise’ — because when girls are empowered, everyone benefits. Only by standing together can we ensure that every girl has the chance to thrive.” 

For Spice Girl and long-time advocate of “girl power” Mel B, the campaign felt like a natural fit. “Girl power has always been my mantra, so when Plan International UK asked me to design a poster to support girls’ rights, I didn’t think twice,” she said. “Right now, women and girls are having their rights rolled back all over the world — and that has to stop. When girls are empowered, everyone benefits, and that’s the message behind my design. And of course, I had to make it fierce with a touch of leopard print!” 

The urgency of the campaign is underscored by stark global figures: 

• 129 million girls remain out of school
• 12 million girls are forced into marriage every year
• In the UK, new research by Plan International UK reveals that almost one in four (23%) UK adults believe progress on gender equality is bad for men, while almost a third (32%) of Gen Z men aged 18-24 believe a return to traditional gender roles would be positive for society. 

Actor Joanne Froggatt, a long-time supporter of Plan International UK, said: 

“I’ve been proud to support Plan International UK for over twenty years, so I know all about the life-changing impact they have for girls and women across the world. But right now, we’re witnessing a disturbing rise in violence against women and a growing assault on reproductive rights. Hard-won freedoms are being rolled back, and girls’ futures are at risk. My poster is a rallying cry for us to stand together until we are all equal.” 

Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK, said the campaign sends a clear signal that progress on gender equality must not be allowed to slip backwards. “At Plan International UK, we are deeply concerned by the global rollback of girls’ rights — from access to education and healthcare, to freedom from violence and discrimination. Progress that generations have fought so hard for is under threat, and we cannot allow girls’ futures to be pushed backwards. That is why this campaign is so important. We’re honoured to have such inspiring supporters lending their voices and creativity — their posters are not only powerful works of art, but a clear stand against inequality.” 

With global icons now speaking out, Plan International UK is calling on the public and politicians across the world to protect girls’ rights and accelerate gender equality. 

To receive a limited-edition poster, sign up to support a girl and her community with Plan International UK from October 11 - November 11 plan-uk.org/become-a-sponsor  

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Notes to editors: 

About the public figures and their posters: 

Hillary Clinton - As US First Lady, she delivered her now historic speech at the 1995 UN World Conference on Women in Beijing, declaring that “women’s rights are human rights.” It became a defining moment in the global fight for equality. Thirty years later, she has reimagined that message with her poster: “Girls’ rights are human rights too.” 

Sarina Wiegman - She made sporting history as the coach who led the Lionesses to European victory and their first-ever World Cup final. Her poster slogan, “Girls rise, we all rise,” reflects her legacy and belief in teamwork and shared success. 

Mel B - with the Spice Girls she helped define the 90s “girl power” movement. Today, she continues that legacy through her advocacy on domestic violence and women’s rights. Her poster, “Power to girls, Power to all” - complete with signature leopard print style – carries the message that when girls are empowered, everyone benefits.  

Joanne Froggatt - A household name thanks to her Golden Globe-winning role in Downton Abbey, she has championed Plan International UK’s work since 2004. An advocate for gender equality and education as the key to solving inequality, her poster, “Let girls learn, let girls lead,” reflects this commitment. 

Paris Paloma - The singer-songwriter behind Labour, the viral feminist anthem that struck a chord worldwide, Paris is known for lyrics that challenge misogyny and explore the female experience. Her handmade poster "Misogyny Won't Win". reflects that same unapologetic call for equality.  

Skin (Deborah Dyer) - The trailblazing frontwoman of Skunk Anansie, Skin shattered stereotypes in rock as a black woman and outspoken feminist. With anthems like Weak and Yes It’s Fucking Political, she has used her music to confront inequality and injustice. Her poster “Until we’re all equal” carries that same fearless energy. 

Methodology: 

• Opinium Research ran a nationally representative survey of 2,050 adults in the UK between 17th and 19th September 2025.