Let's change the conditions
Girls are born into unfair terms they never agreed to. But together, we can change the conditions for girls around the world.
The world tells us girls are born equal. Then it quietly hands them a contract they never asked. A sprawling list of unfair Terms and Conditions that reach into all areas of a girl’s life. Limiting her rights, safety and opportunities.
Yes, much has changed for girls. But equality is unfinished business. At the current pace, women and girls will not see gender equality achieved in their lifetime. And while the world might be getting comfortable with that, girls aren't and neither are we.
The plan is still on, until we are all equal. Will you stand with us?
Created with AI. To protect real girls.
Inequality is alive and kicking
girls are forced to marry each year
girls and women were subjected to sexual violence during their childhood
countries have seen rollbacks on gender equality
What the conditions mean for girls
Term 01.
Discrimination and inequality
For girls, this unwelcome pair often shows up from day one and sticks around. Happy birthday indeed. From daughters treated differently because sons are more valued, to women who graduate top of their class and still earn less than male peers. Different moments, same old story. We’re fighting for every girl to live a life free from discrimination.
Term 02.
Access to education
Education is a right, but not all girls get to go to school. And even those who do face a system that’s riddled with bias. Without the right role models and a safe space to learn, their confidence is knocked – holding them back from their hopes and dreams.
We demand better. Not only do we want all girls to have access to education. We want them to thrive.
“When I was 10 years old, I dreamed of becoming a news anchor. It’s still a dream of mine and I hope it will come true. I am trying my best to study hard and attend lots of training sessions on the subject. I hope that in 10 years' time, this dream will have come true.”
Amira, 20, Egypt
Term 03.
Bodily autonomy and rights
Harmful practices. Body shaming. The scrapping of abortion laws. Who else is tired of girls’ bodily autonomy being up for negotiation and debate? Nearly half of all women worldwide cannot freely make their own decisions about sex, contraception, and seeking healthcare. We say hands off girls’ bodily autonomy.
Term 04.
Safety and violence
Too many girls know exactly how it feels to be catcalled in the street. But it doesn’t stop there. Many go on to experience other violations – from unwanted contact to sexual violence. And not only do they face this from an early age – they're taught to treat their personal safety as their own responsibility, too.
It doesn’t matter what she’s wearing, where she's going, or if it’s after dark. Girls should be free from harassment and violence.
Change happens when we refuse to accept the fine print
Together we can change the conditions girls are born into. Because while others are rolling back girls’ rights, at Plan International we’re rolling up our sleeves – in over 80 countries.
Ending FGM in Egypt
In Egypt, three young women – Maysa, Amira and Omneyia – are helping to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage. As young leaders in a Plan International project, they’ve built their own confidence through training and now run awareness sessions with mothers and children.
Positive parenting in Ecuador
In Ecuador, fathers like Kevin, Leiver and Marco are rethinking what it means to be a parent through a Plan International project. These fathers are challenging stereotypes and learning about active and caring parenthood. And they show how men can play a positive role in accelerating change – when they’re given the space, tools and encouragement to do so.
A place to learn in Cambodia
Without a place to learn, many young people in Phgnon’s community in Cambodia were forced to give up on education. But through the collective efforts of local families, education authorities, and Plan International’s child sponsorship programme, a new school was built, offering children a safe, welcoming place to learn.
Are you with us?
Girls who’ve grown up supported by Plan International are now becoming educators, leaders and changemakers in their own right.
But making this a reality takes all of us. Families, communities, girls and boys – we all have a stake in re-writing the conditions that hold girls back.
“Being a present father means more than just working. It means spending time with my daughter, holding her in my arms and feeling her warmth. It means spending time with my wife and sharing moments with them at home.”
Marco, 26, Ecuador
