Because I am Girl is based on
a nine-part series of reports titled 'Because I am a Girl: The State of the World's
Girls'. The reports, which are published annually from 2007-2015, examine the rights
and needs of girls and young women in developing countries and explore how they
are uniquely placed to break the cycle of poverty.
This compelling research is vital to advocate for changes to government policies to benefit girls worldwide.
The 2011 report looks at the importance of engaging boys and young men
in the fight for gender equality.
Together with their sisters, boys can help ensure
that girls go to school, that they are safe from violence, that they are not married
at a young age or against their will, that they do not bear the whole burden of
work in the household and that they can earn a living and play their part in society.
It is vital that girls such as this student in Niger finish school to achieve the most in life.
For example, research has shown that girls are more likely to suffer from malnutrition; be forced into an early marriage; be subjected to violence or intimidation; be trafficked, sold or coerced into the sex trade; or become infected with HIV.
This is not only unjust - it also deprives girls of the opportunity to develop to their full potential and contribute to society. Investing in girls and young women has a proven beneficial effect in alleviating poverty for everyone.
Read some girl's storiesWe work to empower children and communities to overcome poverty. We are dedicated to child rights and actively involve children, their families and communities in all of our work. We have no religious or political agenda and work at the grass roots to transform the world for children.
Visit the Plan in Australia site
